Regional Manager - Port Pirie Diocese

Samaritan; Port Pirie; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Four-year contract

Job summary

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) invites applications for a systemic education leader to shape quality, performance and direction across the Diocese of Port Pirie. Reporting to the Director, you will oversee 14 schools with a portfolio spanning from outback to coast, guiding principals, building leadership capability and driving school improvement.

We seek an active Catholic leader with a teaching degree and postgraduate qualification (Masters preferred), capable of data-informed

Qualifications

• Teaching degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification; Masters preferred.
• Experience as a principal or strong leadership in Catholic education.
• Ability to drive school improvement using data and evidence.

Responsibilities

• Promote Catholic identity and mission across all schools; support principals in leadership and performance.
• Line manage and mentor diocesan principals with clear expectations for improvement.
• Use performance, wellbeing, compliance and operational data to identify priorities and lead improvement.
• Translate system strategy into regional priorities and lead evidence-informed change.
• Build leadership capability through coaching and talent development.
• Strengthen partnerships with parishes and communities; travel across the Diocese.

Skills

System leadership

Data-driven improvement

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Teaching degree

Postgraduate qualification

Masters preferred

Job description

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Four-year contract with a 2027 commencement
• Relocation assistance available

The Opportunity

This is a significant system leadership opportunity for an experienced educational leader to shape the quality, performance and future direction of Catholic Education South Australia. Reporting to the Director, Schools and Early Years Services, you will join a team of five Regional Managers, with the 14 schools across the Diocese of Port Pirie forming your portfolio. Working across a network that stretches from the outback to the coast, you will connect communities, support and hold principals accountable, and lead improvement that strengthens Catholic identity, student outcomes and school sustainability.

Key responsibilities:

• Promote Catholic identity and mission across all schools, supporting principals to embed faith, formation and quality religious education in school life.
• Line manage, mentor and professionally support diocesan principals, with clear expectations for leadership performance, school improvement and system alignment.
• Use school performance, wellbeing, compliance and operational data to identify priorities, manage risk and lead targeted improvement.
• Translate system strategy into clear regional priorities and lead evidence-informed change across diverse school contexts.
• Build leadership capability through coaching, talent identification, succession planning and development of high-performing, mission-aligned leaders.
• Strengthen partnerships with parishes, communities, governing authorities and Catholic Education Office teams while travelling regularly throughout the Diocese.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished Catholic educational leader who brings credibility, a strong improvement mindset and the energy to lead across a geographically diverse region. You will be someone who:

• Is an active witness and role model of the Catholic faith and can lead with a clear commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.
• Has successful experience as a principal, preferably in Catholic education, supported by deep knowledge of school leadership.
• Can lead complex change, set strategic direction and use evidence and data to drive measurable improvement in learning, wellbeing, equity and inclusion.
• Builds trusted relationships, communicates with influence and can work effectively with principals, clergy, communities and senior stakeholders.
• Is comfortable travelling regularly throughout regional, rural and remote South Australia and values the opportunity to connect communities across the Diocese of Port Pirie.
• Holds a teaching degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably at Masters level or higher. Studies in Theology and/or Scripture will be highly regarded.

For further information, refer to the Position Description.

Why Us?

This position offers a rare opportunity to lead across a connected network where regional context, community relationships and local impact matter. You will join a mission-led system committed to quality education, strong leadership and the growth of every child and young person.

• Lead 14 vibrant schools and colleges supporting more than 4,250 students and 400 dedicated staff.
• Work across communities spanning nearly one million square kilometers, from the outback to the coast.
• Shape regional strategy and school improvement at a system level while remaining closely connected to local communities.
• Receive a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a four-year contract and relocation assistance.

About Us

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) supports Catholic schools and education offices across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities. Our schools and offices work in partnership with families, parishes and the wider Church to provide quality, faith-based education that supports every child and young person to grow academically, spiritually and personally. Grounded in Catholic faith and values, we are committed to inclusive, contemporary and high-quality education, strong leadership and communities where people can thrive.

Applications open Friday 16 October 2026 and close Monday 2 November 2026.

Catholic Education South Australia is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people. Screening requirements apply.