House Dean

The College is seeking a wellbeing and engagement leader with an enthusiasm for learning and teaching in a Catholic boys’ education context. The successful applicant will have high expectations of self and others, appropriate level of qualifications and preferably demonstrable Middle Leadership experience in the Academic and Pastoral Care spheres.

Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to Catholic education and a willingness, from within the Marist tradition, to contribute to the evangelising mission of the Catholic Church.  They should have the ability to lead, manage and develop a team of motivated and enthusiastic staff and a commitment to drive positive wellbeing and engagement outcomes for young people. Their strong work ethic, wisdom, drive and energy will contribute in a substantial and positive way to the life of the College community.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday 14 September 2026.

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. 

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 - House Dean

The House Dean will be an exceptional leader with a passion for pastoral care and wellbeing. They will model evidence-informed practice with the ability to inspire and guide others. They should have appropriate qualifications and a clear commitment to personal, spiritual and professional development. Proven expertise and accomplishment in delivering high quality, innovative pastoral leadership, as well as the provision of positive, engaging and challenging school experiences for young men are requisites for this Middle Leader position.

As a leader at Marist, the House Dean will demonstrate presence, compassion, and simplicity in line with the Marist core values.  The House Dean fills a critical role in implementing the strategic directions of the College, including leadership in the wellbeing and engagement domain

Key Responsibilities

In the appointment of House Deans, the Headmaster delegates the responsibility for leading, promoting, directing and coordinating the efficient and effective operation of a House in the Senior School. The House is the focal pastoral and administrative unit of the College. It is also the context from which each student goes about his academic studies. In addition to classroom teaching duties, House Deans work under the direction of and in collaboration with the Headmaster and College Executive to fulfil the following key responsibilities.

The House Dean will be accountable to the Headmaster through the Deputy Headmaster to:

1. Promote, model, maintain and enhance the Catholic identity and Marist Mission of the College.
2. Develop, motivate, inspire and build respectful relationships through presence.
3. Lead student care in the College by creating a culture that supports and fosters the relationship between pastoral education and holistic development of the student.
4. Lead a culture of change and improvement by extending knowledge of best practice, building capacity in House Group Leaders (HGLs) and ensuring effective organisation, management and administration of the House.

Key responsibilities are further expanded in the position description linked below.

Selection Criteria 

Applicants will need to demonstrate:

• A commitment to the Catholic and Marist ethos of the College and its mission in Catholic education. 
• Proven leadership and management skills, including organisation, ICT competency, and ability to implement initiatives. 
• Strong understanding of pastoral care and the ability to develop effective student wellbeing initiatives. 
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching with a focus on student achievement and effective learning practices. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and facilitation skills, including communication, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution. 
• Ability to work collegially within a middle leadership team. 
• Accreditation to teach Religious Education (Accreditation D) is desirable.

Other requirements

The House Dean would have a minimum of five years teaching experience and must meet or be working towards meeting the criteria for Accreditation C for Leadership in a Systemic Catholic and MSA School.

All teachers at the College must meet all legislative and professional requirements including teacher registration (TQI) and hold current ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and have an understanding of and commitment to Child Safeguarding.

The position involves a reduced teaching load and yard supervisions.  As a middle leader, the House Dean is required 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 House Dean is offered as an ongoing position subject to a 6-month probationary period.  There will be an interim review in the first six months, and a performance review during the second year, and subsequently every four years after that, unless otherwise directed by the Headmaster.

The position is classified under the Teachers (Daramalan College, Marist College Canberra, and St Edmunds College, Canberra) Enterprise Agreement 2025, as amended or replaced. The position of House Dean attracts a salary at the level of Coordinator 1.

The successful applicant will be expected to take up the appointment from Term 1, 2027.

Application Process

External applications will be received through the ‘Apply’ link on the College website, and require completion of personal details, application questions and the upload of a cover letter outlining your skills and experience, resume and WWVP card.

Applications from current staff should contain a cover letter outlining your skills and experience and be emailed to HR@mcc.act.edu.au.

Applications should be addressed to the Acting College Headmaster, Mr Liam Stakelum and be received by 5pm Monday 14 September 2026.

Enquiries regarding the duties and nature of the position, or progress of the selection process, should be directed to Acting Assistant Head of School – Staff and Community, Mr Justin Wood 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.

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.