Head of Teaching and Learning

Orchard Talent Group; Central Coast; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NAISDA is seeking an experienced Head of Teaching and Learning to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence for its education portfolio. The role oversees nationally accredited education, quality and compliance, wellbeing and organisational capability, and leads a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality student experiences.

You will guide curriculum design, budgeting, and continuous improvement across programs, ensuring sustainability, innovation and alignment with

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education leader with a passion for the arts.
• Experience leading complex education portfolios and developing high performing teams.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership capabilities in education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across nationally accredited education, quality and compliance, wellbeing and organisational capability.
• Oversee teaching and learning portfolio, budgeting, resource management and continuous improvement.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration to build capability and a high performing culture.
• Represent the organisation externally and build trusted relationships with community, government, industry and education.

Job description

The organisation

NAISDA is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 5639) delivering accredited vocational education and training through a uniquely First Nations approach to creative and cultural learning.

As the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member of Arts8, Australia's collective of leading performing arts training organisations, NAISDA is recognised nationally for its contribution to education, artistic excellence and cultural leadership.

Based on Darkinjung Country at Mount Penang, Kariong, on the NSW Central Coast, the College brings together Developing and Practising Artists from communities across Australia to learn, create and lead.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Teaching and Learning is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance and continued evolution of NAISDA's education portfolio.

This is a broad executive leadership role that extends well beyond curriculum oversight. You will provide leadership across nationally accredited education, quality and compliance, wellbeing, creative practice and organisational capability, ensuring every aspect of the student experience reflects NAISDA's commitment to educational excellence and Indigenous Knowings.

Leading a multidisciplinary team of Practice Leads, Managers and specialist professionals, you will build capability, foster collaboration and create a high performing culture that empowers both staff and Developing and Practising Artists to thrive. You will also oversee operational planning, budgeting, resource management and continuous improvement across the Teaching and Learning portfolio, ensuring programs remain sustainable, innovative and responsive.

About you

You are an accomplished Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education leader with a passion for the arts and experience leading complex education portfolios and developing high performing teams through collaboration, coaching and influence.

You combine strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, enabling you to deliver exceptional educational outcomes while inspiring and developing those around you.

You will demonstrate:

• A deep understanding of First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing, with the ability to lead within an educational model where Country, culture and community are central to teaching, learning and student success.
• Significant leadership experience within education, vocational education, higher education or the creative industries.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams, developing leaders and building organisational capability.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resources and organisational performance.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, quality assurance, compliance and continuous improvement.
• The confidence to represent an organisation externally, building trusted relationships across community, government, industry and education.
• A genuine passion for creative education and the transformative power of arts and culture.
• A collaborative and values driven leadership style that builds trust, develops capability and empowers others to succeed.

What's on Offer

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia's most respected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and influence the future of creative and cultural education.

You'll join an Executive Leadership Team committed to innovation, collaboration and self-determination while leading a talented and passionate team through an exciting period of organisational growth, curriculum redevelopment and sector influence.

If you're seeking an executive leadership opportunity where you can shape strategy, develop people, strengthen culture and contribute to the future of First Nations creative and cultural education, we encourage you to apply.

This opportunity is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.