About the Role

The DOBCEL Strategy 2035 aims to realise a vision of the ‘fullness of life for all’. When students and staff feel safe, valued, included and trusted in their school, their sense of belonging grows, which positively impacts emotional wellbeing, motivation, educational outcomes and overall school success.

The Education Consultant (Primary – Mid-North Zone) is a senior role within the DOBCEL Leadership structure, leading and supporting Primary School Principals in the Mid-North Zone of the Diocese to assist children and young people to flourish in their school environment. The Education Consultant (Primary – Mid-North Zone) works collaboratively with the Deputy Director: Catholic Education, Education Consultants, and the other Education Consultants, the Leader of Catholic Identity and Mission, Leader: Wellbeing, and the Leader: Learning and Teaching to facilitate the provision of a comprehensive and differentiated service to schools.

Diocesan Primary Schools operate across 4 zones in the Diocese, each with an Educational Consultant. Diocesan secondary schools are also supported by an Education Consultant. The successful applicant will be joining a purposeful team. A high performing system of Catholic schools emphasises compassion, service, and respect for human dignity, embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Education Consultant (Primary – Mid-North Zone) will lead a holistic approach to education to support DOBCEL schools to develop well-rounded individuals.

The ability to form others in Catholic Identity to discover the integration of faith, wellbeing and learning and teaching is essential to this role to support the DOBCEL strategy’s intent to foster education that is not only about academic growth but also about spiritual and moral development.

The Education Consultant will work as a line manager and professional partner with School Principals to ensure strong and shared leadership.

The primary purpose of the Education Consultant is to:

- ensure Catholic Identity permeates all aspects of school and Catholic Education work;
- oversee principal performance and professional development;
- lead, support and provide advice on strategic and operational matters;
- assist in developing whole-school operational plans focused on improving student outcomes;
- support the effective engagement and assist in appropriately responding to the needs of the school community;
- provide guidance on the effective use of data to drive continuous school improvement to address educational needs;
- provide leadership to enhance qualified relationships and promote wellbeing;
- provide career guidance and support to school principals;
- provide career guidance and support to aspiring principals;
- respond effectively to advice sought by Parish Priests, Principals, school leadership and team members;
- hold delegated responsibility for the performance of principals.

Some of the Key Responsibilities of this role will include:

It is not the intention of this role description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects. The accountabilities described may be periodically altered in accordance with changing organisational needs. Under the direction of the Deputy Director: Catholic Education, this role will:

Promote Catholic Identity





- model a deep understanding of faith and educational leadership;
- promote and emphasise the principles of Catholic Social Teaching;
- contribute to the implementation of a strategic vision for Catholic education;
- embed a culture that supports, promotes and values relationships;
- support leaders in enhancing Catholic School Identity.

Provide Leadership

- provide leadership to school principals, including performance and development management;
- provide support and advice about key DOBCEL policies, procedures and guidelines;
- provide effective coaching and mentoring on aspects of school organisation, management and stewardship of resources;
- support school leaders where information indicates that students are not demonstrating expected or appropriate standards;
- provide analysis of and response to school culture and student performance data;
- support principals and schools in the management of critical incidents and emergencies;
- provide support to the principal in responding to complaints/grievances;
- Support investigation of complaints and grievances that pertain to the policies and procedures deemed the responsibility of Education Consultants;
- support principals with achieving compliance with all legislative, industrial and regulatory requirements;
- support the formation and development of school advisory councils (or equivalent);
- advise on appropriate change management processes as appropriate;
- provide advice on professional learning and development;
- act as the Executive Director’s nominee in principal appointment processes;
- participate and lead the contract renewal process for principals;
- support induction and professional growth of principals;
- promote the enhancement of Principal and staff wellbeing initiatives;
- support formation programs for leadership teams, Principals, and Deputy Principals (or equivalent);
- support schools in the implementation of school improvement processes;
- research and help develop policies and procedures for school improvement;
- support in the development and achievement of professional learning goals;
- act within delegations.

Support Learning and Teaching

- provide educational leadership to schools and regional networks in the development of strategies for enhancing learning outcomes for students;
- assist with planning, implementation and evaluation of learning, teaching and assessment programs;
- assist in the development of DOBCEL policies that target improvements in student achievement;
- undertake research on evidence-based practices and professional learning to support schools;
- collect, analyse and interpret data and contextual information as part of a system-wide approach to reporting, accountability and planning for improvement.

As a DOBCEL Employee

- Facilitate school access to DOBCEL resources and services;
- Collaborate with other Education Consultant services;




- Contribute to the Catholic Education Team Executive and Catholic Education Ballarat Leadership Team;
- Contribute to the Catholic Education Team made up of Catholic Identity and Mission, Wellbeing, Learning and Teaching, and Education Consultants.

Benefits

- Impactful Work: Play a vital role in supporting educators and schools across Western Victoria
- Professional Growth: Access ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career
- Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative and inclusive team that values innovation, partnership, and respect
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from a flexible and supportive workplace culture that understands the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal well-being.

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in this role, the employee needs to have the following skills and capabilities:

Experience

- Significant experience in a senior educational leadership position
- Significant experience managing strategic initiatives and change management
- Demonstrated capacity to form others in Catholic Identity and Mission
- System experience (desirable)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

- High level of emotional maturity/intelligence and the ability to lead complex environments;
- Ability to work with Principals to build their capacity as Faith, Wellbeing, and Learning Leaders and community builders;
- Ability to work with Principals and school leaders to develop their critical thinking and reflective skills;
- outstanding communication to facilitate effective coaching, relationship building, and conflict resolution processes.
- Ability to embed child-safe practices into all aspects of this role;
- Ability to relate, influence and communicate with a wide audience;
- Ability to plan, think and act strategically;
- Ability to resolve complex problems and matters of conflict.

Essential Requirements

The following are requirements for this position:

- a commitment to work within and align to the DOBCEL Vision and Mission;
- tertiary qualifications in education and post-graduate qualifications in Education, Religious Education, Leadership and/or Theology;
- a deep understanding of school effectiveness, improvement/review processes;
- a deep understanding of and ability to foster the leadership capabilities of Principals;
- a deep understanding of Catholic school identity and the ability to articulate the Church’s mission in Catholic education;
- hold a current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration;
- current Victorian or National Police Check;
- current Victorian Driver’s Licence;
- an understanding that the role requires travel and overnight commitments.

Applicants will be required to submit:

- Cover letter
- Resume
- Response addressing the Key Selection Criteria

For a confidential discussion about the role contact:

Deputy Director: Catholic Education Matthew Byrne on 0409 138 *** or email ******@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Applications close 5 August 2026

Guided by our vision of “the pursuit of fullness of life for all,” DOBCEL is committed to inclusion and the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children and young people in our care. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who support Catholic education and value the unique contributions of each person.

📌 Education Consultant - Mid-North (Ballarat)
🏢 Catholic Education Office Diocese of Ballarat
📍 Ballarat