Deputy CEO – School Improvement & Indigenous Education Research Centre (IERC)

Lead system-wide educational transformation in partnership with Indigenous communities.

Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) is pioneering a new model of secondary education for Indigenous students in remote northern Australia. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Deputy CEO to drive school improvement and lead the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC).

About the Role:

Reporting to the CEO, this executive leadership role will:

• Provide strategic leadership to deliver SSA’s long-term vision and objectives

• Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student outcomes across SSA schools

• Lead the IERC to embed Indigenous knowledge systems, advance curriculum innovation, and support research

• Strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners, Elders, universities, industry, and community stakeholders

• Oversee compliance, accreditation, and government reporting requirements

About You:

You are a proven educational leader with:

• Executive leadership experience in school education and organisational growth

• Expertise in school improvement, curriculum design, and teaching innovation

• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ability to work respectfully in partnership with communities

• Strong skills in data-driven decision-making, educator capability building, and research collaboration

• Experience securing grants and managing funding for educational initiatives

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership (or equivalent)

• Current Australian teaching registration (TRBWA desirable)

• Ability to travel across remote locations as required

Why Join Us?

• Lead a nationally significant education reform initiative in Indigenous education

• Shape curriculum and research that integrates Indigenous knowledge and culture

• Work in genuine partnership with Indigenous communities in one of Australia’s most unique regions

How to apply:

Applicants must have Australian work rights and provide a WA Working with Children Check and National Police Check. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Request further information below or to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver quoting reference 8083.

For a conversation in confidence please contact: Claudia Roth Claudia.Roth@perrettlaver.com

The deadline for applications is 9am AWST, Monday 20th October.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Please note that applications will not be accepted via SEEK.

Perrett Laver’s Data Protection Policy

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.

Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please see our Privacy Statement.