Teaching Service

Reference number

0000BDHE

Occupation

TCH Other

Work type

Location

Central & North Coasts

Salary Information

Remuneration package valued at $168,946.00. This position attracts a base salary of $149,059.00, plus leave loading and employer's contribution to superannuation.

Principal Network

Newcastle

School Name

Hunter School of the Performing Arts

Staff Area

Newcastle

Closing date

09 September 2026 at 4:00pm

Position Information

The Leader of the Arts provides leadership, coordination and operational management of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) programs within a designated CAPA school. This school-based non-teaching executive role supports high-quality teaching, learning and performance opportunities for students across music, dance, drama and visual arts, and contributes to the school’s strategic priorities and community engagement.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the teacher training and academic qualification requirements for this position. In addition to the general selection criteria

1. Demonstrated capacity to provide strategic and operational leadership across Creative and Performing Arts programs, including the development, coordination, and evaluation of ensembles, curation, productions, co-curricular programs, and large-scale arts events.

2. Proven ability to lead collaboratively with CAPA teams, whole school staff, tutors, specialist practitioners, professional associations, and state networks, while mentoring and supporting all staff to strengthen professional practice and program delivery.

3. High-level organisational, communication, and collaborative project management skills, with the capacity to design and manage whole school systems for the application process/auditions and workshops, events, logistics, budgets, compliance, and resource management.

4. Demonstrated capacity to build and sustain partnerships with arts organisations, tertiary institutions, and industry professionals, while promoting equity, inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and student wellbeing within arts programs.

General Selection Criteria

- Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice,
- Knowledge of curriculum, assessment,



and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs,
- Education leadership skills to build capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams,
- Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents,
- Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning,
- Knowledge of and commitment to the department’s Aboriginal education policy.

Conditions

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

Special Notes

Please note this position is 0.4FTE (two days per week).

The NSW Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above.

For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.

Additional Information

Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA), located in Newcastle–Muloobinba, is the only fully selective performing and creative arts public school in NSW. The school provides a creative,



inclusive and future-focused learning workplace where students are supported to achieve academic excellence and perform at their best.

In 2026, HSPA has 1,151 students from Years 3–12, including 66 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students from across Awabakal, Worimi, Darkinjung, Kuring-gai and Wonnarua lands are selected through audition and portfolio processes. They are supported by 80 teachers and 20 support and administrative staff.

HSPA develops students’ potential across dance, music, drama and the creative arts while maintaining high academic expectations. A mastery learning approach, quality professional learning and targeted wellbeing and values programs underpin teaching and learning.

Students benefit from extensive ensembles, workshops and extension programs in the performing and creative arts, STEM, theatre, film and audio technology. Sporting opportunities and initiatives such as Maths in Milo further support student engagement, achievement and enrichment.

The school maintains strong partnerships with the Muloobinbah Local AECG, the University of Newcastle, the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Conservatorium of Music, Civic Theatre Newcastle and local dance studios.

Specialist facilities include a 365-seat theatre, recording studios, production suites, dedicated dance, drama, music and visual arts spaces, multimedia and STEM laboratories, a commercial kitchen and a 1,200-seat multipurpose centre.

HSPA’s culture is founded on connectedness, inclusion and belonging, with students, staff, families and community partners working together to promote excellence. Further information is available on the HSPA website.

How to Apply

To support a consistent and transparent merit selection process, Merit Selection Process Application Guidelines are available for classroom teachers, executives and principals, providing practical advice for applicants and selection panels.

To meet the page limits outlined in the guidelines, all application attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support please contact School Recruitment Support at 1300 863 694.

📌 Leader of the Arts - Hunter School of the Performing Arts (Australia)
🏢 Teaching Service
📍 Australia