Project Manager - Aurukun State School

Queensland Department of Education; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A remote educational institution in Queensland is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join the Leadership Team. The successful candidate will provide strategic advice and support to the Principal, manage school operations, and ensure effective governance. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for improving educational outcomes in a challenging environment. Accommodation is provided.

Qualifications

• Track record in project and operational management.
• Proven leadership in dynamic and complex environments.
• Ability to provide strategic advice and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the Principal and senior team on budget management.
• Lead and manage school operations for professional financial functions.
• Coordinate programs, projects, and resources within time constraints.

Skills

Project and operational management

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Koolkan Aurukun State School is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and experienced project manager to join the Leadership Team, in a unique opportunity as Project Manager.

This pivotal role will provide high-level strategic advice and operational support to the Principal and Leadership Team, contributing to effective governance, coordinated operations, and overall management of the school, facilities and staff accommodation.

Job Details

This position will be based in Aurukun, with accommodation provided.

About Our School

Koolkan Aurukun State School is a Kindy to Year 12 with approximately 220 students. Aurukun is a geographically remote First Nations community located 11 hours by road from Cairns and 2 hours by road to Weipa, on the Northwest coast of the Cape York Peninsula. Home to around 1300 people, this community is the traditional homeland of the Wik, Wik Waya and Kugu people. The predominant traditional language spoken in Aurukun is Wik Mungkan; this is the first language of most Aurukun children.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a results and outcomes-driven leader, with a proven track record in project and operational management. You thrive in dynamic and complex environments, demonstrate excellent interpersonal and strategic thinking skills, and are passionate about contributing to the success of a vibrant educational community. We seek this, but professionals who can rise above challenge, to ensure ‘our Children Come First', prioritisation of our people, and compassion for those we live and work alongside, will find their place, not through managerial qualities alone, but through compassion and understanding at personal levels and can see and find the paths to the greater good.

Your Opportunity

As The Project Manager, You Will

• Provide high-level strategic advice, analysis and support to the Principal and senior management team in relation to school operational and governance matters including developing, monitoring and reviewing the school's strategic and operational plans and effective project management of emerging issues.
• Provide project planning and support to assist with the development and implementation of strategic initiatives in the management of the school including financial, infrastructure and human resource functions to provide a high level of appropriate corporate services support to the school and community.

The Project Manager reports to the Principal and may have line management responsibility for relevant administrative and operational staff.

Your Responsibilities

As the Project Manager, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic advice to the Principal and senior team on workforce planning, budget management, and maintenance of assets, facilities, and public areas.
• Lead and manage school operations to ensure professional financial, infrastructure, and HR functions align with departmental priorities.
• Coordinate programs, projects, and resources, leading teams to deliver within time and budget constraints.
• Liaise with departmental staff to brief senior officers on critical issues requiring sensitive or immediate attention.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the school, with partner schools, the region, and external stakeholders.
• Analyse and refine corporate systems and processes, recommending improvements and technology adoption.
• Oversee significant facilities projects, negotiating with contractors to ensure accountability for maintenance.

How to Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history).
• Attach a 2-page written statement in response to the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Occupational group Administration