This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027

Escape the ordinary.

Join the team at Tom Price Senior High School (SHS) - the 'Jewel' of the Pilbara.

Where Students Shine and Careers Thrive.

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking Pilbara sunrise, just a short walk from work – it’s just the beginning! You can spend your evenings exploring local water holes, and weekends camping, or discovering the ancient gorges of Karijini National Park. Tom Price offers a lifestyle where adventure and connection await. You'll join a vibrant, multicultural community with deep roots in the ancient Aboriginal heritage of the Eastern Guruma people. Beyond your career, you can immerse yourself in a thriving local arts and culture scene, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a down-to-earth atmosphere.

At Tom Price SHS, we're dedicated to empowering our students to achieve their full potential in our supportive and welcoming learning environment. Our vision is to inspire a passion for learning in every student and foster a community where diversity is celebrated, and personal bests are achieved. We live by our core values of Respect, Inclusivity, Personal Best and Responsibility which guide everything we do.

We offer a wide range of educational programs, including both Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) options. Our strong partnership with the University of Western Australia's Aspire program has a proven track record of helping our Year 12 students gain university acceptance. Our VET program thrives with the support of local businesses and industry, providing students with invaluable real-world learning experiences and nationally accredited vocational qualifications.

Our commitment to integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education through project-based learning in partnership with the Centre of Resource Excellence Program (CoRE) Academy, connects curriculum to industry, setting students on a pathway to success. Our Emergency Services Cadet Corps, with over 100 cadets, offers hands-on training in first aid and fire safety, providing leadership and other lifelong skills by State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and other emergency service personnel. The program is highly recognised, having won multiple awards, including the prestigious Cadet Unit Achievement Award at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Youth Programs Awards and is considered one of the strongest cadet units in Western Australia. We’re also proud to partner with the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation and the Follow the Dream program to support our Indigenous students in achieving outstanding success.

Come join us and bring your unique skills and passion to a community where you can truly make a difference, inspiring the next generation in the heart of the Pilbara.

Find out more about our school by visiting www.tompriceshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online, and teaching at Tom Price SHS by viewing the video below.

The Role

The Program Coordinator - Pathways and Operations is a key middle leader responsible for coordinating whole-school operational systems while leading the development of pathways that support every student to achieve success beyond school. Working closely with the Principal and Executive Team, the successful applicant will ideally ensure effective school operations, strong organisational processes and meaningful educational, training and employment opportunities for students.

Responsibilities of the role may include:

• Leading key operational functions including timetabling, school calendars, assessment and examination processes, reporting requirements and organisational systems.
• Coordinating annual planning, operational reviews, compliance processes and accountability requirements related to Senior School.
• Supporting the effective management of school budgets, grants, cost centres and reporting obligations related to pathways and senior school programs.
• Leading  the development and implementation of a whole-school Years 7-12 pathways framework.
• Coordinating  course counselling, pathway planning and transition processes to support student success through and beyond school.
• Overseeing the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), VET, Workplace Learning and endorsed programs, ensuring compliance, quality delivery and positive student outcomes.
• Establishing and maintain partnerships with industry, training providers, universities, employers and community organisations.
• Expanding opportunities for students through workplace learning, career education, tertiary engagement and employment pathways.
• Support students and families with pathway decisions, tertiary applications, scholarships, apprenticeships, traineeships and post-school transitions.
• Analysing student achievement, attainment, engagement and destination data to inform planning and continuous improvement.
• Maintaining effective administrative systems and ensure compliance with Department, SCSA and external provider requirements.
• Contributing to strategic initiatives that enhance student achievement, engagement and post-school outcomes.

The Ideal Applicant

We are seeking a highly organised and innovative leader who can balance operational excellence with a passion for student success and future pathways.

The successful applicant will ideally:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Have experience leading operational systems and processes in a school environment.
• Possess a strong understanding of student pathways, career development, WACE, VET and post-school transitions.
• Build positive and productive relationships with students, families, staff and external partners.
• Communicate effectively and contribute positively as a member of a collaborative leadership team.
• Use evidence and data to evaluate performance, identify opportunities and drive improvement.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability and a solutions-focused approach.
• Be committed to improving engagement, achievement and future opportunities for all students.
• Successfully lead change, develop partnerships and implement strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement and student-centred decision making.

We highly value applicants with experience in school operations, timetabling or organisational leadership and knowledge of WACE, SCSA and VET requirements. Experience leading careers, workplace learning, pathway or transition programs and developing partnerships with industry, training providers or tertiary institutions is highly regarded.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:

• Attractive Country Teaching Program Allowance of $10 210 per year
• District allowance of $9 299 a year
• Temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $5 250 see info below.
• 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
• 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
• More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave
• Subsidised accommodation where applicable
• Free relocation
• Air-conditioning subsidy

Teachers and school administrators employed at Tom Price SHS in 2027 are eligible to receive a temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $5 250 (pa, gross – to be adjusted pro rata for FTE and tenure). Eligible staff will receive a percentage of this payment on commencement at the school, with the remainder paid at the end of the school year. Staff must remain employed in the location until the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the second payment.

You may be eligible for HELP/HECS assistance if you are working in a very remote location – click here for details

Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Stephanie McDonald, Principal on (08) 9143 8100 or emailing stephanie.mcdonald@education.wa.edu.au.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at schoolsrecruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
• A three - four (3-4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF

1. Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
2. High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
3. Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
4. Demonstrated capacity to manage physical and financial resources.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1065059

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 9 November 2026