Cleveland District State High school is seeking a dedicated Head of Department - Students Services to lead our high performing First Nations faculty. As Head of Department - Student Services, you will assist in the delivery of Cleveland District State High School's strategic plan through providing solid leadership with a focus on commitment to strengthening Aboriginal people's and Torres Strait Islander people's cultural capabilities across the school. This includes the wellbeing and engagement of the school's First Nations students as well as the responsibility of curriculum development of embedding Aboriginal perspectives and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into school programs and indigenous language programs.

About Us

Cleveland District State High School prepares students to meet the future through the equitable provision of an engaging curriculum that ensures intellectual discipline and academic rigour. Students have access to flexible pathways which include wide-ranging vocational, cultural, sporting and citizenship opportunities. They are encouraged to participate, contribute and pursue every opportunity available to them to grow as capable, confident and compassionate young people.

We encourage all of our students to strive for personal excellence and be “always worthy” in a diverse and inclusive environment where we actively care for the well-being of others (Ubuntu).

About the Role

The Head of Department - Student Services, you will be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving educational, cultural, and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations students and have a high degree of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, languages, and perspectives. They will have a proven capacity to lead teachers in developing and implementing innovative, high-quality teaching and learning programs that authentically embed Indigenous perspectives across all curriculum areas and support improved student achievement.





You will be accountable for the effective leadership and management of First Nations Education within the school, including the development of strategies that foster cultural safety, belonging, engagement, and success for First Nations students. They will demonstrate evidence of using student achievement, wellbeing, and engagement data to inform practice and improve outcomes, while creating a culture of professional learning that builds staff capability and confidence in culturally responsive teaching.

They will also have the capacity to lead and deliver the development and implementation of Indigenous language studies, working collaboratively with the local First Nations communities, Elders, and language custodians to ensure authentic and meaningful learning opportunities. Strong skills in building partnerships with families, community organisations, and key stakeholders will be essential.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful applicant will contribute strategically to whole-school improvement and lead initiatives that strengthen reconciliation, embed Indigenous perspectives across the school, and promote excellence, inclusion, and equity for all students.

Experience working in partnership with First Nations communities, Elders, and families to enhance student outcomes and strengthen cultural connections within a school setting is highly desirable.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to apply

- Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and

- A 2-page response to the 'How you will be assessed' section of 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.

📌 Head of Department - Student Services - Cleveland District State High School (Queensland)
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Queensland