General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director)

General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director)
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
Location: Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie 
Tenure: Full-time, 5-year recurring contract  
Commencement: January 2027 

Applications are warmly invited for the position of General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director) with Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled, strategic and experienced Catholic education leader to form part of a senior executive team shaping learning, teaching and school support across a diverse and dynamic network of schools. 

The General Manager will lead the Diocese’s specialist capability in learning and teaching, ensuring schools have access to high-quality, evidence-informed support that strengthens teacher practice, builds school capability and improves outcomes for students. 

This is an opportunity to join a significant Catholic education community, work in close partnership with school and system leaders, and contribute meaningfully to the Mission of Catholic Education across the Diocese of Lismore. 
  
About Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools provides a range of services to support approximately 3,500 staff across 45 vibrant and dynamic Catholic school communities, serving more than 18,000 students. 

Catholic schools have played an important role in the Diocese of Lismore since the nineteenth century. Today, under the pastoral leadership of the Bishop of Lismore, schools across the Diocese provide faith-filled, inclusive and caring environments where young people are supported to grow in faith, learning and living well. 

Stretching along the coastal strip of New South Wales from Tweed Heads in the north to Laurieton in the south, and west to Dorrigo on the Great Dividing Range, the Diocese offers a unique opportunity to lead across a diverse and connected regional education system. 

At the heart of Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools is a commitment to the evangelising Mission of the Church and to enabling students to experience fullness of life. 
  
The Position
The General Manager, Learning and School Support (Assistant Director), as a member of the DLCS Leadership team, is a senior leadership role with influence across the broad strategic direction of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore. The role reports to the Executive General Manager, School Services, and is a key member of the School Services portfolio.  

This highly strategic senior leadership role leads specialist teams across Learning and Teaching, Inclusion, School Improvement, Digital Technology for Learning and Vocational Education. Working in close partnership with Regional Assistant Directors, School Services Partners, Principals and senior system leaders, the General Manager ensures specialist expertise is responsive, coherent and aligned with Diocesan priorities. 

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to ensure schools receive the right support, at the right time, in ways that are grounded in evidence and responsive to local context. They will translate school-level insight into tailored programs, professional learning and system-wide strategies that strengthen teacher practice, support school improvement and improve student outcomes. 

This role requires a leader who can work across complex system settings, build trusted relationships, provide authoritative advice and lead teams with clarity, purpose and a deep commitment to Catholic education. 
  
Essential Criteria
The successful candidate will bring: 

• A commitment to the Mission of Catholic Education and to embedding Catholic values and purpose in leadership practice and decision-making.
• Proven experience as a Principal and/or senior leader within an education system.
• Relevant teaching and postgraduate qualifications at Master’s level or above in Religious Education, Theology and/or Educational Leadership.
• Current NESA accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead improvement in a complex, multi-layered educational environment.
• Proven capability in strategic planning, system alignment and evidence-informed program design.
• Strong educational leadership expertise, including a deep understanding of curriculum, regulatory requirements and contemporary issues in education.
• Exceptional relational leadership, communication, facilitation and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to listen deeply, advocate, negotiate and communicate with clarity across school, system and community contexts.

The Lifestyle
Whether you are drawn to the vibrant, dual-state energy of the Tweed Coast, the coastal hubs of Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie, or the heart of the Northern Rivers in Lismore, this role offers an exceptional NSW regional lifestyle. 

The Diocese provides access to thriving coastal communities, strong local schools, natural beauty and the authentic charm of regional living, while still offering the amenities and opportunities expected of a major education system. 
  
How to Apply
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools has engaged ANZUK Executive to support with the search and selection process for this position. 

For a confidential conversation, enquiries regarding the application process or to obtain an Applicant Information Pack, please contact Mitch Jones from ANZUK: 

e: [email protected] || p: [02 8029 6955](tel:02 8029 6955)

Please note applications must address the criteria within the Applicant Information Pack.

Expressions of interest close 5pm AEDT Monday 5th October 2026.