Principal

St Joseph's College is a Catholic co-educational school founded in 1987, providing quality Catholic education from Transition to Year 12, with an Early Learning Centre for children aged 3–5. Home to a genuinely diverse and culturally rich community, the College enjoys strong enrolments of approximately 300 students and sits on 16 hectares of buildings and landscaped grounds in Katherine, NT.

Katherine offers a warm, tight-knit regional community, an easy pace of life, and the natural beauty of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park on the doorstep, and is approximately 3 hours' drive south of Darwin.

The Position:

We're seeking a new Principal to build on a strong foundation, supported by an experienced leadership team already in place, with the opportunity to shape that team further. This vacancy arises as our current Principal moves on after 10 years of dedicated service.

The Principal leads St Joseph's Catholic College, guiding a diverse and dynamic school community in partnership with families, local groups and community leaders. As part of the School Leadership Team, the Principal provides strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care, Community and Culture, and the effective management of resources.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through educational excellence, cultural respect and faith-based leadership. This is a full-time initial four-year contract commencing 11 JANUARY 2027.

What's on offer?

• Base Salary: $165,974 – $183,981 + Super + leave loading
• Plus benefits package of $28,595
• Salary sacrificing options up to $15,900 pa
• Subsidised housing & relocation support.
• Funded annual professional development opportunities
• Discounted tuition for children attending Catholic schools

Key Responsibilities:

As Principal, you will;

• Provide faith-based leadership, ensuring Catholic identity and values are visible in all aspects of school life.
• Lead high-quality teaching and learning that meets the needs of a diverse student community.
• Build strong relationships with families, community leaders and stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to foster genuine partnership and collaboration.
• Drive continuous school improvement through effective planning, innovation and evidence-based practice.
• Oversee the wellbeing, development and performance of staff and students.
• Ensure sound management of resources, finances and compliance with relevant policies and legislation.

Full details are outlined in the Position Description within the Application Package.

About you:

We are looking for a Principal who:

• Lives and demonstrates Catholic values and is an active member of a Eucharistic community (applications from those of other faiths deeply committed to their values are welcome).
• Brings proven educational leadership experience with a track record of improving student outcomes.
• Can inspire, develop and support staff through strong pastoral care and formation.
• Has highly developed communication, organisational and administrative skills.
• Has genuine experience or a strong commitment to leading in cross-cultural or diverse community contexts.
• Meets all relevant qualifications, including eligibility for NT teacher registration and Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School (or equivalent).

This position will involve working with children. The appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child-related employment in accordance with legislation.

How to Apply

Click the link below to download the application package and apply.

Please submit your current resume and one-page cover letter addressing the essential criteria in the Position Description.

Applicants will also be required to provide supporting documentation as outlined in the application guidelines.

For external applicants: https://cent.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CENT/Public/Function/%24ORG.REC.EXAPN.WIZ/RECRUITMENT?suite=CES&token=48b5e016-3525-4183-bb30-2dfda518539f

For CENT employees: https://cent.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CENT/RedirectToFunction?token=5f530ee0-1c1d-4ae8-b4ca-a253e4e93960&f=%24ORG.REC.MYAPN.WIZ&suite=CES

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Applications close: 24 AUGUST 2026

The Catholic Education Office reserves the right to close this advertisement early or extend it beyond the closing date.

If you require more information, please contact Recruitment on (08) 8984 1400.