Job Description

Be a School Principal and Lead, Learn, Live in Tasmania

Join the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and make a difference!

About Us

We are a connected and values-driven community, united by a shared commitment to putting children and young people first. Across Tasmania’s 214 unique schools—each with its own context and character—we work to ensure every learner is known, safe, well, and learning.

As a principal, you play a vital role at the heart of this critical work. Your voice is central to shaping our education system, and your leadership is guided by the same principles that define our department. You will model and foster a growth mindset, lead your school improvement plan with purpose, and align your efforts with the department’s strategic priorities.

Through your inspirational leadership, you will cultivate a positive culture and a collaborative environment among students, families, staff, and colleague principals. Every day, in meaningful and dynamic ways, you will champion student learning and drive improved educational outcomes for every child and young person in your care.

A fixed-term and casual employment register is not a vacancy, and inclusion on a register does not guarantee any offer of employment will be made.

Why Join Us?

As a principal with DECYP, you will be highly supported in your role. We are committed to your wellbeing and professional growth, ensuring you flourish and drive continuous school improvement. Here’s what we offer:

• Proactive support system with students at the centre of decision-making
• Ongoing professional growth and development aligned to our system’s Professional Capability Framework (PCF)
• Professional Learning Communities with collaborative and experienced school leaders
• Incentives including relocation, accommodation, and regional allowances where applicable
• Enriching work/life experience with the community feel of being part of Tasmania’s bright future

Salary: $147,175 to $195,454 + 12% Superannuation

Hours: 70 hours per fortnight

Your Role

As a principal, you will play a vital role in our education system. Your voice will be front and centre, guiding your actions with our values-based approach. You will:

• Model and foster a growth mindset to deliver on your school improvement plan and the department’s strategic priorities
• Inspire others with your strong leadership qualities and capabilities
• Create a positive culture and a collaborative environment for students, families, staff, and principal colleagues
• Drive change and improve educational outcomes for every student

Essential Requirements

• Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status – Employment)
• In accordance with section 106 (a) and (b) of the Education Act 2016, all Principals must be a registered teacher with full registration within the meaning of the Teachers Registration Act 2000
• Satisfactory completion of the School Leadership and Management Prerequisites (SLMP).
• All candidates who seek to be appointed to the classification of school-based principal are required to complete the SLMP online modules prior to the commencement of employment. Any tenure over 1 term will require completion of SLMP.
• If you are an external applicant, you will need to register using the SLMP Expression of Interest Form on the Training and Development Hub Website

If you need assistance logging in, please contact the MyCareer Team via email: mycareer@decyp.tas.gov.au

Desirable Requirements

• Four years or more training as defined in the Teaching Service (Tasmanian Public Sector) Award 2005.

For more information Email: recruitment@decyp.tas.gov.au

Does this sound like you? What next?

How to apply

• A current resume/CV, up to six pages
• A short covering letter, up to one page
• Two professional referees.

Applicants wishing to be registered for employment need to register online via the Apply Now button. For further guidance on how to apply, please refer to our Information for Applicants and Applicant Guide for Employment Registers

Before commencing employment with DECYP, please ensure you familiarise yourself with our standards of conduct and clearly defined behavioural expectations that apply while working in a role, and in situations where there is a connection to the role.

Supporting Documents

Statement Of Duties (PDF)

Statement Of Duties (Word)

Guide to Applicants – Principal Short Form Application (PDF)

Selection from the Register

Where a vacancy occurs the Retired Principals Fixed Term and Relief Employment Register will be examined to identify those persons who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, currency, and qualifications to undertake the duties of the vacancy and who will be available to work.

Fixed-term: – DECYP invites persons interested in Principal vacancies of up to one year duration to have their interest recorded on the Department for Education, Children and Young People's applicant Fixed-term Register.

DECYP will from time to time require the services of employees for specified fixed-term and relief basis in a number of skill areas and disciplines. Such appointments fill a valuable role in complementing the existing permanent workforce. The register is not a vacancy and inclusion on the register does not guarantee employment. Where vacancies are identified and an applicant(s) are regarded as being suitable to undertake the particular appointment, a merit-based selection process will be undertaken. The selection process may involve formal interviews.

All appointments to fixed-term Principal positions within the Department for Education, Children and Young People will be made from those applicants listed on the register only.

Should you have any difficulties regarding applying for this fixed term register, please contact:

Recruitment via phone +61 3 6165 6285 or email recruitment@decyp.tas.gov.au

DECYP is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to reflect the broader diversity of the Tasmanian community. As part of our inclusive practice, we will be flexible to the needs of our staff, students, and job applicants.