Principal

An exceptional opportunity to lead a unique, Tiwi-owned and managed remote boarding school.

Tiwi Education Board Inc. is seeking an experienced, committed and culturally responsive educational leader to take on the role of Principal of Tiwi College. Located at Pickertaramoor on Melville Island, the College provides education and boarding for Tiwi students from across the Tiwi Islands.

The Board has a strong vision for the College and seeks a leader with a genuine desire to make a difference in the Tiwi community and improve educational outcomes for Tiwi students. The successful applicant will be culturally respectful, adaptable and resilient, with a hands-on, relational leadership style.

The principal will lead the educational, wellbeing, boarding and operational direction of the College, working closely with the Board, staff, families and communities. They will build strong relationships, lead a diverse workforce, maintain high expectations for students and embrace the opportunities and challenges of remote education.

The Role

The principal will provide overall leadership of Tiwi College, including:

• Leading the strategic and educational direction of the College.
• Maintaining a safe, supportive and culturally appropriate learning and boarding environment.
• Working closely with the Tiwi Education Board to ensure the direction of the College reflects the aspirations of Tiwi people.
• Building strong relationships within the Tiwi communities.
• Ensuring the College meets all compliance obligations.
• Overseeing staff performance, recruitment and professional development.
• Overseeing the leading of teaching, wellbeing, boarding and operational teams.
• In conjunction with senior staff, overseeing all aspects of the college resources, operations and facilities including school infrastructure, boarding houses, staff housing, hospitality complex, garage, power, water, sewage, grounds maintenance, roads and airstrip.
• Developing and maintaining productive relationships with government, education, community and corporate partners.
• Representing Tiwi College at State and National level.

About You

The successful applicant will be an educational leader who demonstrates:

• A range of school leadership experiences.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• The capacity to work respectfully and effectively in a remote Indigenous community.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience leading staff and developing a positive workplace culture.
• Sound understanding of educational practice curriculum, student wellbeing and boarding standards.
• Strong organisational, financial and operational management skills.
• The resilience, flexibility and practical approach required to lead a remote boarding school.
• A commitment to child safety and the wellbeing of young people.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a community-controlled Board.

Experience in remote education, Indigenous education and/or residential or boarding education would be highly regarded.

Employment Conditions

• Full-time Principal position based at Tiwi College, Pickertaramoor Community, Melville Island, NT.
• Attractive executive salary package, including housing, utilities, vehicle for work and personal use, semester entry/exit flights, subsidised freight and six weeks annual leave.
• Salary packaging available.
• The role requires flexibility beyond normal school hours to meet the needs of a remote residential College.
• Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain a current NT Ochre Card (Working with Children Clearance) and hold a full NT Driver Licence.

About Tiwi College

Tiwi College offers an opportunity to lead a school that is deeply connected to Tiwi culture, community and Country. The successful applicant will work alongside the Tiwi Education Board and a committed team to continue strengthening educational, wellbeing and post-school outcomes for Tiwi young people.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• A covering letter addressing suitability for the position.
• A current CV.
• Contact details for at least three professional referees.

For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Tiwi College [email protected]

To access more information about the Tiwi Islands please visit https://www.tiwilandcouncil.com/

Applications close: 31 October 2026