Head of Careers and Pathways

Role Description/Criteria

The Head of Careers and Pathways leads the strategic development and delivery of a dynamic, future-focused careers and pathways program that reflects each student’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. The role is central in cultivating a culture of exploration and informed decision-making, guiding students toward purposeful and fulfilling post-school options across study, training, and employment.

With a strong understanding of emerging industries, global trends, and the skills required for 21st-century success, the Head of Careers and Pathways provides innovative leadership in career development. This includes integrating enterprise thinking, digital fluency, and real-world learning opportunities, while also supporting students in setting academic and career aspirations and tracking their progress toward future goals.

The role involves developing and coordinating initiatives that support students in shaping purposeful futures delivered through personal futures portfolios, immersive industry experiences, mentoring relationships, and a targeted micro-credentials program that builds practical, future-focused skills.

The Head of Careers and Pathways leads the Careers and Pathways Team to foster strong collaborative relationships with Senior and Middle School Leaders to support the case management of individual students and works in partnership with staff, families, and external agencies to ensure each student is equipped to make confident, informed decisions about their future. As a key member of the College Community, the Head of Careers and Pathways champions a whole-school approach to career development, ensuring programs are relevant, personalised, and embedded across all year levels.

• Essential Key Selection Criteria:
  Demonstrated knowledge of emerging careers and future-focused tertiary pathways, with the ability to guide and inspire students in navigating a rapidly evolving world of work.
• Experience leading and inspiring professional teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and achieving excellent educational outcomes. Ability to promote a culture of continuous improvement and shared vision.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives that enhance career education, aligning with whole-school improvement plans and future-focused learning priorities.
• Holds a postgraduate qualification in Career Development recognised by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and the Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV).
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively with students, families, alumni, tertiary providers, industry partners, and staff
• A demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and the Ignatian charism, with a willingness to support the College’s faith life, uphold its mission, and promote holistic student formation through faith, service, and excellence.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of developments in post-secondary education, training opportunities, and emerging employment trends, as well as key frameworks such as the Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework, VCE/VM pathways, and tertiary entry requirements.
• Current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.

Employment: Ongoing. Full-time, three-year fixed-term appointment as Head of Careers and Pathways with an ongoing teaching position. The leadership role will be reviewed at the conclusion of the term, with potential for reappointment.
Commencement Date: 27th January 2026 or earlier as negotiated.

Child Protection

Saint Ignatius College Geelong is committed to being a Child Safe organisation. The College has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to acting in children’s best interests and in keeping them safe from harm. We regard our child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a child safe culture. Please read and review the College’s Child Safety Code of Conduct and Child Protection and Safety Policy found on our website https://www.ignatius.vic.edu.au/our-school/child-safety-committment

Application Procedure

Please include the following in your application

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and why you would like to work at Saint Ignatius College Geelong.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) with details of three professional referees. Please note that referees will only be contacted following the completion of the interview stage.
• A completed copy of the Saint Ignatius College Geelong Application for Employment form
• Applications should be addressed to Mr. Michael Exton, Principal and emailed to hr@ignatius.vic.edu.au by 9:00am, 25th August 2025.

Principal: Mr Michael Exton

Enquiries: hr@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Applications Close: 25/08/2025

Position: Teaching

Type: Ongoing

Hours per Week: Full-time

2025 Head of Careers and Pathways Role Description Template (External).docx.pdf SICG Application for Employment (1).pdf