Program Lead, Student Formation

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A Catholic education system is seeking a Program Lead for Student Formation to design and manage impactful programs throughout its secondary schools. The role requires collaboration with educators and community stakeholders to foster student engagement and participation in Catholic events. Candidates must possess a strong theological background and experience in youth ministry. This opportunity combines program management, logistics, and the evangelising mission of the Catholic faith. Full Australian working rights are required.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to the Catholic evangelising mission.
• Experience in student formation within Catholic education.
• Ability to communicate faith engagingly.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage student faith formation programs.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance student engagement.
• Coordinate program logistics including budgeting and documentation.
• Prepare reports to support program evaluation and alignment with goals.

Skills

Youth ministry experience

Theological foundation

Collaborative leadership

Program design skills

Education

Relevant qualifications in education or theology

Job description

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.

WHY WORK FOR US?

• Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget
• Access to flexible working arrangements, which include working from home arrangements
• You will work in a tight-knit, supportive team to ensure you succeed in your role
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) supported by Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace, providing a safe and caring environment to our staff and students

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

YOUR ROLE

The Program Lead, Student Formation plays a vital role in developing, implementing and delivering high-quality, mission-aligned formation pathways for secondary students across MACS.

Reporting to the Manager, Faith Formation, the role focuses on providing authentic, ongoing opportunities for students to encounter and deepen their Catholic faith through formation initiatives that are aligned with local, national and international events.

You will work collaboratively with school leaders, teachers, parishes, families, and external partners to co-create meaningful student engagement experiences rooted in the MACS vision and mission. You will also lead program planning, resource development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of student formation initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with deep faith, creativity, and experience in youth ministry or Catholic education to shape student faith formation across one of Australia's largest Catholic education systems.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Design and lead impactful student faith formation programs and resources across MACS secondary schools.
• Collaborate with schools, staff, families, parishes, and external partners to foster sustainable formation pathways.
• Coordinate program logistics including timelines, budgets, documentation, and administrative needs.
• Accompany students in preparation for and participation in major Catholic events (e.g., World Youth Day, ACYF).
• Prepare briefing papers and reports to support planning, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes using feedback, data, and reflective practices to ensure alignment with Catholic identity and strategic goals.
• Contribute to cross-team initiatives that build evangelisation, formation and Catholic leadership within MACS.

ABOUT YOU

• You are a practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to the evangelising mission of the Church and Catholic schools.
• You bring extensive experience in youth ministry or student formation within Catholic education or Church contexts.
• You have a strong theological foundation and the ability to communicate faith in ways that are engaging and accessible for students.
• You are a collaborative leader who builds relationships with students, teachers, leaders, and the wider Church community.
• You have proven skills in program design, delivery and evaluation, and are confident managing events and faith initiatives for young people.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

Click APPLY to submit your application. If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our Talent Acquisition team by email [e-mail]

You will need to provide:

1. An up to-date Resume and

2. A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, limited to two pages

Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check.

Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights and provide evidence of this.

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