Chief Education Officer

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of Catholic education in Victoria by leading statewide strategy, quality, performance, and innovation across the Catholic school sector in Victoria. What you will do As the Chief Education Officer, you will provide exceptional strategic system-level leadership that strengthens educational outcomes for students and supports school proprietors, school leaders, and key stakeholders to deliver excellence. In this high-impact role, you will shape the direction of Catholic education by overseeing major statewide education functions, including quality, performance and data, education support, workforce capability, and sector-wide improvement initiatives. You will play a pivotal role in representing Catholic education at state and national levels, contributing to education policy, leading government-funded programs, and ensuring that Catholic schools meet the highest standards of governance, child safety, and educational integrity. Working closely with the CEO, and as part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will drive innovation, harness research and evidence, and lead high-performing teams committed to delivering outstanding student and life outcomes. Your leadership will directly influence the quality, experience, and performance of Catholic education across Victoria. What you will bring Proven executive-level leadership experience in education systems, large organisations, or complex schooling environments, with a track record of delivering impact at scale. Deep knowledge of education policy, quality, performance and workforce development gained within a complex education or policy setting. Strategic capability and analytical acumen, with the ability to interpret data, research, and policy to drive sector-wide improvement. Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the credibility to work effectively with government, regulatory bodies, Catholic education authorities, and school leaders at the highest levels. A collaborative, inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire teams, build capability, and foster a culture of excellence and integrity. A commitment to the mission, values, and ethos of Catholic education, and the ability to represent the sector with professionalism and purpose. Qualifications and Experience At least 10 years’ senior leadership experience in education, policy, or system improvement within a complex organisation or sector. Proven record of strategic leadership delivering measurable improvement in educational quality and outcomes. Demonstrated success leading large, multi-disciplinary teams and driving organisational performance and capability. Experience influencing government and sector policy, managing regulatory frameworks, and overseeing compliance and reporting. Strong grounding in evidence-informed practice and data-driven decision-making to shape policy and strategy. An understanding of the Catholic sector preferred but not essential. Why work with VCEA As the peak body for Catholic education in Victoria, VCEA provides employees an opportunity to help shape the future of Catholic education across the state. VCEA is the voice of Catholic education in state and national matters; we receive and distribute funding from state and federal governments for Catholic schools. Providing strategic leadership and planning to ensure proper governance in Catholic education statewide. VCEA offers a purpose built new central city office location, 5 minutes walk to Parliament Station. Competitive remuneration (reflecting your experience), with generous benefits, and opportunities for career development. These benefits combined with our commitment to work life balance make VCEA an employer of choice. A note on inclusion and how to apply If you are ready to make a difference in Victorian Catholic education, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria. Both your resume and cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the role requirements and make you the standout applicant for the position. For the position description, and key selection criteria, please navigate to our website: vcea.catholic.edu.au/about-us/work-with-us/# We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for anyone who wishes to apply. If you would like further information about this role, or require any adaptations or additional support for your individual circumstances so you can perform at your best during the application or recruitment process please reach out to: Given the seniority and significance of this position, and in recognition of the upcoming holiday period, the role will remain open for applications until 23 January 2026. To accommodate SEEK’s system parameters, the advertisement will run in two consecutive campaigns. The first will be live until 24 December 2025, and the second will run from 24 December 2025 through to 23 January 2026. All applications received across both campaigns will be reviewed after the advertisement closes on 24 January 2026. With consideration to the volume of applications received; only applicants moving to the next stage will be contacted. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police History check, obtain a Working with Children Check and provide evidence of Australian Citizenship or Visa. Unlock job insights AI Job match analysis Salary match Number of applicants Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? #J-18808-Ljbffr