Head of Department - SOSE 

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic educator to lead our rich and vibrant SOSE Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader with the expertise, energy, and commitment to drive high-quality teaching and learning outcomes for our students.

As Head of SOSE, you will lead a dedicated and experienced team in delivering a rigorous and engaging curriculum across a range of subject disciplines. You will play a key role in inspiring both staff and students, fostering a culture of academic excellence, and ensuring that our boys are consistently challenged and supported in their learning.

 Key qualities and experience required:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor, support, and inspire a team.
• A clear vision for innovative and effective teaching in the humanities.
• Deep knowledge of the SOSE curriculum and the ability to deliver excellent outcomes across multiple disciplines.
• A commitment to student-centered learning and academic excellence.

Applications are invited from educators who share our passion for teaching and who are excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact from the beginning of Semester 2, 2025.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON OR BEFORE TUESDAY 20 MAY 2025

The College 

Marist College Canberra is a Congregational Catholic school for boys (Year 4-12) operating as part of ‘Marist Schools Australia’. It enjoys an excellent reputation for its pastoral care of students, academic studies, cultural and sport pursuits. The College is driven by staff who are committed to making a difference in the education of boys. As a Catholic school in the Marist tradition, we work in the spirit of our founder St. Marcellin Champagnat.

Since 1968, Marist College has been a part of and had its footprints on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. As a College, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship they have to this land and commit ourselves to the challenge of Closing the Gap and the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

As a Catholic school in the Marist tradition we work in the spirit of our founder St. Marcellin Champagnat. Our Middle Leaders must be people of faith who can promote, develop and uphold the vision, charism and Catholic and Marist ethos in every aspect of College life.

All Middle Leaders at Marist College Canberra work under the direction of and in collaboration with the Headmaster and College Executive and have an important responsibility in articulating and nurturing the mission, vision and strategic directions of the College. They reflect our Marist Characteristics, our adherence to the spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat and our determination to provide an environment where boys are encouraged to develop as a person, as a community member, as a learner, as a young man of faith and as a contributor to society.

The Role - Head of Department

The Head of Department – Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) of at Marist College will be an exceptional leader with a passion for learning and pastoral care. They will model evidence-informed pedagogies and curriculum innovation and be able to inspire and guide others. They should have appropriate qualifications and a clear commitment to personal, spiritual and professional development. Experience in leading a Knowledge-Rich approach to the SOSE Curriculum would be highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

In the appointment of Heads of Department, the Headmaster delegates the responsibility for leading, promoting, directing and coordinating the efficient and effective operation of a Subject Department. In addition to classroom teaching duties, Heads of Department work under the direction of and in collaboration with the Headmaster and College Executive to fulfil the following key responsibilities.

The Head of Department will be accountable to the Headmaster through the Deputy Headmaster and Assistant Head of School – Learning and Teaching to:

1. Promote, maintain and enhance the Catholic identity and Marist Mission of the College.
2. Develop, motivate, inspire and build collaborative relationships.
3. Lead academic care in the College by creating a culture that supports excellence and fosters the relationship between learning, teaching and pastoral care for improved student outcomes.
4. Lead a culture of change and improvement by extending knowledge of best practice, building capacity in teachers and ensuring effective organisation, management and administration of the Department.
5. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate structures and processes within the Department to support the College vision and Strategic Plan.

These key responsibilities are further expanded in the full position description linked below.

Prior to accepting any teaching position within the College, applicants need to have read the document “Teaching in Catholic Schools – A Statement of Principles”, and the “Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct”, which will be sent to you should you be offered a position

Selection Criteria 

Applicants are invited to address the following selection criteria:

1. Promote, maintain and enhance the Catholic identity and Marist Mission of the College.
2. Develop, motivate, inspire and build collaborative relationships.
3. Lead academic care in the College by creating a culture that supports excellence and fosters the relationship between learning, teaching and pastoral care for improved student outcomes.
4. Lead a culture of change and improvement by extending knowledge of best practice, building capacity in teachers and ensuring effective organisation, management and administration of the Department.
5. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate structures and processes within the Department to support the College vision and Strategic Plan.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate:

• Relevant qualifications pedagogical skills and an understanding of contemporary curriculum development, educational theory and practice.
• A commitment to ongoing professional learning and demonstrated capacity to model excellent teaching skills and personal professional accountability.
• A capacity to critically reflect and adjust teaching practice to improve learning outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, administrative, organisational and collaborative working skills.
• A passion and understanding for boys’ education, and a willingness to be involved in the pastoral care program in the College.
• An ability to make a significant contribution to the co-curricular life of the College.

Click here for the full position description.

Term and Remuneration

The position of Head of Department is classified under the Teachers (Daramalan College, Marist College Canberra, and St Edmunds College, Canberra) Enterprise Agreement 2021-24, as amended or replaced. The position of Head of Department attracts a reduced teaching load and a salary at the level of Secondary Coordinator 1.

This is a full time (FTE 1.0) and ongoing position, commencing from Semester 2, Monday 21 July 2025.

Application Process

Internal Applicants (current staff) should submit an expression of interest outlining their skills and experience directly to Glenn Slater via hr@mcc.act.edu.au.

External applicants must apply through this webpage by selecting 'Apply Now', completing the questions and uploading the required documents. For information about the duties and nature of the position, or progress of the selection process, enquiries should be directed to Assistant Head of School – Staff and Community, Mr Glenn Slater at HR@mcc.act.edu.au or by phoning the staff office on (02) 62987262.

The College is not required to accept applications that are received after the closing date and time, and reserves the right to appoint by invitation, close applications early, extend the deadline or to make no appointment at all. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone to arrange an interview. 

Closing date for applications is as per the College Website.

The College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage you to visit our website https://www.maristc.act.edu.au should you require further information about Marist College Canberra.