Upper Coomera State College is looking for a passionate and committed educational leader to take on the role of Head of Department - Student Engagement for Year 8 in 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is committed to student wellbeing, engagement and achievement and who can build strong relationships with students, staff, families and the wider College community. If you are ready to lead with purpose, build positive relationships and make a meaningful difference to the engagement, wellbeing and achievement of our Year 8 students, we encourage you to apply.

This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

About Us

Upper Coomera State College (UCSC) is a Prep to year 12 campus we cater for all children from ages 5 to 17 and offer every opportunity for each student to experience an individual learning pathway.

We offer a caring, nurturing learning workplace that acknowledges difference, celebrates effort and strives for excellence.

UCSC provides a wide range of subjects and learning opportunities with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, science, e-Learning, the arts and global citizenship. Your child will be encouraged to discover and develop their interests and talents, pursue their goals and dreams and to reach their full potential so they may succeed in their chosen pathways and actively contribute to a global society.

About The Role

As the Head of Department - Student Engagement of Year 8 you will:

- Focus on initiatives to support the educational outcomes for students
- Incorporate ‘Brighter Futures' delivering excellence in every state school, for every student
- Develop the quality of teaching and learning
- Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers and the community

The Head of Department - Student Engagement of Year 8 reports to the Deputy Principal.

Key Responsibilities





You are the initial point of contact for a range of inquiries made by parents, staff and students, you will also be responsible for the following:

- Creating and promoting a sense of belonging, wellbeing and safety to support student engagement
- Leading a team of teachers to support students to become confident, accomplished learners
- Will have strong relational skills and capacity to work with challenging and complex students and families
- Provide support and intervention with students who are experiencing significant barriers in accessing their learning through academic, behaviour and/or social emotional engagement concerns
- Wellbeing and behaviour management initiatives to support high quality educational outcomes for students
- Monitor students' performance and behaviours and develop and implement intervention strategies
- Development of quality teaching and learning; and nurture positive relationships between students, teachers, parents and education stakeholders
- Applying positive accountability and coaching processes to create positive change in teaching and learning practices of staff
- Positively impacting student learning outcomes, social emotional development and wellbeing
- Short-term suspensions in consultation with the Deputy Principal.

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 written statement in response to 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.

Occupational group Education & Training

📌 Head of Department - Student Engagement - Upper Coomera State College (City of Gold Coast)
🏢 Queensland Government
📍 City of Gold Coast