Head of Performing Arts (Co-Curricular)

About the Opportunity: Are you an experienced international education leader ready to make your mark in a thriving, Are you a dynamic leader ready to inspire the next generation of performers?

John Paul College is seeking an exceptional Head of Performing Arts (Co-Curricular) to lead our highly awarded Performing Arts programs and shape the future of arts excellence across our College.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented team of specialists, foster a vibrant performing arts culture, and create outstanding experiences for students from Prep to Year 12.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll oversee our comprehensive co-curricular offerings encompassing Music, Dance, Theatre, and Cheer. You'll lead and inspire a dedicated team of specialists while working collaboratively across the College to deliver on our strategic vision for the Performing Arts.

At JPC, we're proud of our highly awarded Performing Arts programs and our commitment to making the arts accessible to all students. We're looking for a visionary leader who can build on this strong foundation while driving innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities As Head of Performing Arts (Co-Curricular) at John Paul College, you will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of the strategic vision for Co-curricular Performing Arts

Establish clear, measurable goals focused on student participation, progression, and artistic quality

Identify growth opportunities across all performance disciplines with particular attention to building strong Primary feeder programs

Actively promote the program's achievements to the wider school community, prospective families, and external partners

People Leadership & Development

Lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse team of performing arts specialists

Create a collegial environment where specialists feel empowered to innovate and contribute to continuous improvement

Manage recruitment, onboarding, and performance conversations with clarity and fairness

Identify professional development needs and support ongoing learning

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary face and voice of the program to parents, families, students, and the broader community

Build and nurture strategic external partnerships that create performance opportunities and elevate the College's profile

Coordinate and oversee major College performance events and productions

Liaise with College committees, P&A Association, and parent bodies

Operational Excellence

Establish and manage departmental budgets for instruments, equipment, tuition delivery, and event production

Implement efficient scheduling and coordination systems that balance co-curricular and academic commitments

Oversee facilities utilisation for rehearsals and performances both on and off campus

Work collaboratively with Finance, HR, Compliance, Facilities, and Community Engagement

Program Growth & Student Development

Design and implement strategies to increase student participation across all year levels

Create an inclusive program culture with clear entry points and progression opportunities

Establish sequential development pathways across all performance disciplines

Foster an environment where students develop technical skills, confidence, teamwork, and a lasting passion for performing arts

Please note:

This is a maximum-term contract position for five (5) years commencing in 2026, with potential for an additional five years at the discretion of the Principal.

Employment is subject to child safety screening and eligibility for a Blue Card.

A copy of the full position description is available here.

About You: We're seeking a dynamic leader who brings:

Essential:

Bachelor degree in a relevant field (business, education, arts management, community development) or demonstrated equivalent professional experience

Proven leadership experience in team management, ideally leading programs or departments involving diverse specialists

Track record of program growth through effective stakeholder engagement and strategic planning

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with successful relationship building experience

Project leadership capability in coordinating complex events or programs

Budget and resource management experience showing sound financial judgment

Working With Children Check and satisfactory employment screening as required by law

First Aid qualification (or ability to obtain)

Desirable:

Teaching degree or experience in youth development

Background in performing arts or genuine interest in the discipline

Experience in independent school settings

Experience managing large-scale events and productions

Note:

While a background in performing arts is not required, candidates should demonstrate genuine interest in the discipline and openness to learning from specialist team members.

Why Join JPC? John Paul College is a highly regarded independent co-educational school located in Daisy Hill, Logan. We're proud of our inclusive, supportive community and our commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for all students.

The successful candidate for this role will enjoy:

Five-year maximum-term contract with potential for extension

Competitive salary (Total Employment Cost package with packaging options available)

Eight weeks annual leave per year

The opportunity to lead and shape award-winning Performing Arts programs

A collaborative, supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

The chance to make a real impact on student lives

Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

This role offers genuine autonomy and the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that will shape the future of Performing Arts at JPC. You'll work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues who are committed to excellence and innovation.

How to Apply: Applications for this role can be submitted by clicking “Apply” (below)

Please ensure your application includes -

A

cover letter

addressed to the attention of the Deputy Principal – Head of Primary, which details how your experience meets

all selection criteria

(detailed in the position description). We draw your attention to Selection Criteria 8 and would like to understand how you will deliver Selection Criterion 8 which is a commitment to lead and deliver a major component of the Performing Arts program. Applicants should clearly identify the aspect of the program they would lead (for example, a major production, musical, or premier ensemble) and outline how their leadership and approach would align with, support, and exceed the College’s mission, values, and commitment to excellence in performance and artistic standards.

Your

current resume

including any qualifications and experience

And the names and contact details for at least

two professional referees .

John Paul College is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The College reserves the right to interview and offer this role prior to the closing date of this advertisement. If you are interested in joining John Paul College, please do not hesitate in applying.

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