St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra is a Catholic co-educational school situated in the Shoalhaven area and part of the Diocese of Wollongong. Founded by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. The school provides a wide curriculum to approximately 935 students as we strive for academic success while offering many sporting, cultural and extracurricular opportunities. Our motto, Pax Christi – (Peace of Christ) is lived throughout the school as we strive to have peace in our hearts, be peace makers, both within the school and the wider community. Our understanding of the Peace of Christ and its implication for living will have an influence on the world at large and on our lives as individuals.
The Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong, invites applications from suitably experienced educators for this significant leadership position at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra commencing 27 January 2027. This successful candidate will be appointed to this position for a three year contract period.
The Director of Mission and Identity (Middle Leader 3pt) shares responsibility for the development of the Catholic life of the school, leadership of its vision, mission and strategic priorities and contribution to the management of the school. The successful candidate will:
- Advance the evangelising and catechising mission in collaboration with the Principal, Parish Priest, and other Catholic lay leaders. Lead initiatives that strengthen opportunities for connections between the college, Parish, staff and families to deepen their understanding of and commitment to the Catholic faith.
- Exercise leadership that ensures the Mission and Vision are embodied in daily practice, reflected in all school’s operations, and actively promoted within the wider community.
- Develop the liturgical, sacramental, and prayer life, working alongside staff and parish priests.
- Establish, form and lead a Mission Team to co-construct and implement the strategic mission plan, embedding Catholic culture. Develop, execute and evaluate a strategic Mission Plan that includes formation development for both staff and students, working in partnership with the Mission and Wellbeing team.
- Provides strategic leadership of Religious Education across the school, holding whole-school accountability for student data, curriculum, pedagogical quality and student outcomes in alignment with CEDoW’s mission and the vision of Bearers of Christ's Love.
- Apply data-driven approaches to measure and document improvement across key areas.
- Design and nurture faith-inspired service initiatives that respect the dignity of all people and champion social justice both within the school and in the wider community.
- Enrich the Catholic life and identity of the school community, building a culture of belonging for students and their families.
- Ensure that pastoral care practices are aligned with the Catholic ethos and the school's charism. pastoral care practices reflect and reinforce the Catholic ethos and college charism.
- Lead and support the expression of Catholic Identity in policies and practices.
- Other duties as requested by the Principal, as consistent with the position.
REPORTING LINES
Position Reports to: Principal
The position provides leadership and oversight of the:
- Leader of Learning - Religious Education: who carries accountability for the rigour, integrity, and coherence of the RE curriculum, including curriculum programming, scope and sequence, and pedagogical quality across learning and teaching.
- Mission Team - who collaborate to embed Catholic culture across the school community through the co-construction and implementation of the Strategic Mission Plan, including formation development for staff and students.
ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA
To be considered for this position, you will be able to demonstrate you are an effective educator who:
- Gives witness to the faith and contributes to the Catholic life and culture of the school community.
- Builds a learning culture of shared responsibility for quality teaching and student learning growth, informed by data.
- Builds capacity through their own professional development and supporting staff by providing access to effective continual professional learning opportunities and giving regular feedback.
- Leads change and improvement to enhance learning for all students, especially in Religious Education.
- Develops and maintains positive partnerships with students, families and carers, the local church and the wider school community.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
GENERAL CAPABILITIES applicable to the role:
- Well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong organisational skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School (Category E) in accordance with the ‘Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead in Systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong’ policy (or a commitment to acquiring within a 5 year period).
- NESA Accreditation at Proficient Teacher level or above. Demonstrate performance at the Higher Levels of Accreditation of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Highly Accomplished or Lead).
- Graduate Diploma or Master Degree in Religious Education, Theology, or Theological Studies.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CLEARANCE
This role is classified as a child related work and therefore we require a working with children clearance to be completed prior to your commencement with us.
POSITION APPLICATION
Applicants are to complete an online application briefly addressing the essential criteria.
To confidentially discuss your application or general interest in this position please contact Anna Jones, Team Leader - Leadership and Professional Growth on 0448 884 092.
To submit your application please select the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of this advertisement.
Closing date: 2 August 2026 at 11.55pm
