Deputy Principal Ignatius Learning Centre

About the organisation Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the program

Jesuit Social Services is relocating a campus of the Ignatius Learning Centre to Dandenong. Enrolling students for the first time in 2021, the Ignatius Learning Centre provides education for young people who have experienced severely disrupted education and are at significant risk of incarceration and/or further involvement with the youth justice system. As a specialist Catholic secondary school guided by a Catholic social ethos and Ignatian heritage, it provides a holistic education so students can experience success in a safe and supportive environment, restore hope, experience a sense of belonging, flourish and reach their potential. The Dandenong campus will commence classes at the beginning of the 2027 school year, enrolling approximately 40 young men aged 15-17 and offering the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and Vocational Major (VM).

About the role

The Deputy Principal will provide leadership for the establishment and daily operation of the Ignatius Learning Centre’s Dandenong campus, including policy implementation and compliance, as a contemporary and dynamic place of learning excellence responsive to student needs and aspirations. The role will lead implementation of the Child Safe Standards, develop collaborative partnerships that support the school’s growth, sustainability and reputation, and work closely with the school leadership team. Reporting directly to the Principal, the Deputy Principal will perform as Acting Principal when the Principal is absent.

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
• A welcoming and supportive relational environment
• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing training and development related to your role
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous leave

About you

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Post-graduate qualifications in Education and extensive teaching and school leadership experience, including demonstrated experience teaching and supporting students with complex learning and support needs.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead, motivate, supervise and develop professional teachers and related support staff, fostering collaboration, reflective practice and distributive leadership.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with a senior leadership team and to establish strategic relationships and senior-level networks across education, government, community and associated sectors.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, change-management and conflict-resolution skills, with demonstrated capacity to engage and positively motivate students and work respectfully with families and communities experiencing significant challenges, including involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrated capacity to meet school reporting and compliance requirements, lead in a way that reflects and fosters Jesuit Social Services’ identity and ethos, and guide others in reflective processes that strengthen collective commitment to the organisation’s purpose, vision, mission and values.

How to apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.

• For further information please contact John Andrew, Principal – Ignatius Learning Centre, on [0407 285 989](tel:0407 285 989).

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 9th October 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.