Job description
Agency Department of Education and Training Work unit Shepherdson College
Job title Principal Designation Principal Level Ongoing 6
Executive Contract Principal Level 6
Job type Full time Duration PLO6 Ongoing commencing 05/01/2026
PLEC Fixed from 05/01/2026 for up to 4 years
Salary PLO6 - $189,152 - $194,827 Location Elcho Island-Galiwinku
PLEC6 - $212,137
Position number 7057 RTF 329388 Closing 02/09/2025
Contact officer Stuart Dwyer on 0427 271 645 or stuart.dwyer@education.nt.gov.au
About the agency https://education.nt.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=329388
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.
Primary objective
The principal plays a vital role in delivering the strategic plan of the Department of Education and Training and is the leading educational
professional at Shepherdson College, who inspires students, staff and community members to optimise the learning of all students.
Context statement
Shepherdson College is situated on Elcho Island in the remote community of Galiwin’ku in Arnhem Land, 550 km northeast of Darwin and
150 km west of Nhulunbuy. The current population of Galiwin’ku is approximately 2500 with a total enrolment at Shepherdson College
of about 600 students from pre-school through to senior secondary. Shepherdson College has a bilingual program acknowledging the
community’s first language and culture which supports the school’s priority of developing literacy. It operates across the spectrum of the
Early Years Learning Framework, Australian curriculum, ILC curriculum and senior secondary pathways. The principal has full autonomy
to manage school operations as a leader of a large workforce, with substantial organisational and human resource management demands.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Lead the development of the school’s vision with a focus on a shared respectful culture that challenges and sets high expectations of
students and teachers to drive student outcomes and ensure effective teaching.
2. Lead and drive the strategic direction of the school, including strengthening partnerships with the school representative body and
other agencies including Commonwealth Government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and community groups.
3. Effectively manage school resources; implement clear evidence-based improvement plans and policies; determine program priorities
and the allocation of teaching and other resources to meet and manage diverse needs.
4. Establish systematic methods for collecting and interpreting evidence to identify excellent teaching and learning; use data to improve
school performance and share best management practice and use of resources appropriately.
5. Embed a culture of achievement and continuous improvement through constructive management practices, ensuring research,
innovation and creativity and review the effectiveness of processes.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Proven contemporary strategic leadership knowledge, skills, and experience in a large or equivalent context including leading the
development and delivery of innovative teaching and learning programs and staff resulting in improved student outcomes.
2. Proven superior knowledge of contemporary teaching and learning programs relevant to complex and challenging, culturally diverse
school environments.
3. Proven skills in the management of school infrastructure, resources and finances including the development and management of
significant budgets.
4. Demonstrated collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills resulting in improved student outcomes.
5. Proven accountability for the operational management of relevant legislation and policies at both a Territory and national level,
including demonstrated experience managing school infrastructure, human resources and finances including the development and
management of considerable budgets.
Desirable
1. Post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership.
2. Completion of an Executive Leadership Program of equivalent.
Further information
Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory and a Working with Children Clearance Notice (Ochre Card),
or the ability to obtain, is required in this position. The successful applicant will be required to adhere to and model the NTPS Code of
Conduct (refer advertising attachments), the Education Act, Financial Management Act, Public Sector Employment Management Act, and other
relevant legislation with the utmost integrity. The successful applicant will also hold specific delegations under the abovementioned Acts
and will therefore be required to understand and follow these to maintain accountability.