About the role
This temporary vacancy is open to Expressions of Interest and any extensions to this appointment will not exceed 12 months.
Your Opportunity
We are seeking school leaders for short-term relieving opportunities, ranging from a few weeks up to a school semester. Applications will be considered throughout 2026/2027 as Partnership Initiative Principal (Levels 3-10) vacancies arise.
These roles provide a chance to:
- Lead and support schools in some of Queensland's most socio-educationally disadvantaged communities.
- Work in complex and dynamic environments, including discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Contribute to the success of the Partnership Initiative, focussing on strong community partnerships and fostering connected and thriving communities.
- Explore the professional, personal and lifestyle benefits of working in rural and remote communities while gaining leadership experience across diverse school settings.
About the Partnership Initiative
The Partnership Initiative (PI) is a targeted response to the unique challenges faced by schools in Queensland's most socio-educationally disadvantaged communities.
In the Far North Queensland Region, 10 of the 17 Partnership Initiative schools are located in discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The initiative provides:
- Enhanced, coordinated support through strengthened whole-of-government and community partnerships.
- Prioritised resourcing to address the needs of students and their communities.
- Place-based initiatives delivered in partnership with government agencies, early childhood providers, local services and not-for-profit organisations.
Leaders in these schools cultivate a high-performing culture by:
- Improving the quality of teaching, learning and student outcomes.
- Building strong relationships within the school community.
- Strengthening community connections to support learning and development.
Under the current Partnership Initiative Principal special purpose uplift, this substantive School Leader position is temporarily remunerated at 2 levels above (until 20 January 2027). This arrangement is intended to retain and attract school leaders who can drive improvements in learning and life outcomes through a system-wide approach within Partnership Initiative schools and their communities. Leave entitlements during the period of the special purpose classification uplift will be paid at the higher classification rate, in accordance with Directive 16/24 - Higher Duties.
Eligibility
This process is not for applicants seeking relief or beginning Principal opportunities in smaller schools. Please refer to the Department's Beginning Principal Program (Levels 1-2) and Aspiring Principal Program.
To be considered for this FNQ pool, you will:
- Be willing to live and work in rural and remote locations, including discrete Indigenous communities.
- Be adaptable, resilient and culturally responsive.
- Demonstrate experience in school leadership roles.
- Contribute to regional and state-wide Partnership Initiative priorities.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students.
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
- Be passionate about supporting the success of schools and communities across Far North Queensland.
Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.
How to Apply
- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should understand your relevant work history).
- Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) in response to 'How you will be assessed' section of the Role Description.
- Attach a completed copy of the "PI Location Questions to attach to your application" see Documents listed below.
- Complete online questionnaire (To open the questionnaire, click “Apply” and enter your personal details.)
- Attach a copy of your mandatory requirements outlined in the Role Description.
We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applicants need to be a current Queensland Government employee to be eligible to apply.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.