Independent Special Assistance School
Re-advertised opportunity
Commencing Term 1, 2026 – expressions of interest welcome for an earlier start
Full-time | Permanent
Lead with purpose in a school that does things differently
Novo Education Space Shoalhaven is relocating to a brand-new, purpose-designed campus in Nowra on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, opening in Term 3, 2025.
We’re now seeking a visionary and values-driven leader to take on the role of Head of Campus from Term 1, 2026. Expressions of interest for an earlier start are welcome.
This is your opportunity to lead an established team into its next phase of growth. As we settle into our new campus, we’re looking for a Head of Campus who can guide the culture, strategy and direction of the Shoalhaven site, building on strong foundations and deeply aligned with Novo’s trauma-informed, student-centred vision.
You’ll lead the team through a period of purposeful development, where honest conversations, shared ownership and individual growth are part of everyday practice.
About Novo Education Space
Novo Education Space is a multi-campus, independent Special Assistance School for Years 9 to 12. We are registered with the NSW Education Standards Authority and operated by WEA Illawarra, a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation and charity.
We support young people who have experienced trauma, disrupted learning or other challenges that have made traditional school settings hard to access. Our approach is trauma-informed, relational and grounded in the Berry Street Education Model. We believe every young person can grow — and we back that with strong relationships, high expectations and a consistent, safe school culture.
Why Novo?
- Real relationships
Our classrooms are built on trust, curiosity and connection. You’ll lead a team that shows up for students and for each other. - Supportive culture
You won’t be doing this alone. On campus, you’ll be surrounded by a capable and committed team who work alongside you every day. And as a member of our executive and extended leadership team, you’ll stay connected to the broader organisation, with a home base beyond your campus and people who are always within reach when you need to think something through or feel backed in your leadership. - Innovative practice
We don’t just use trauma-informed approaches — we embed them into the way we lead, teach and collaborate. Relational learning, restorative practice and developmental thinking shape the way we work, with students and each other. - Purpose-built campus
You’ll step into a thoughtfully designed, flexible learning space in the heart of Nowra, created to support wellbeing, connection and sustainable practice. - Staff benefits
We offer salary packaging and a range of other benefits that support staff wellbeing, development and sustainability.
What we’re looking for
You’re an experienced and values-driven educational leader who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. You bring:
- At least three years of experience in educational leadership
- A minimum of seven years of teaching experience
- A proven ability to lead teams, build culture and collaborate across disciplines
- A passion for inclusive, trauma-informed education and innovative practice
- The capacity to lead with clarity and empathy, and a belief that honest, respectful communication and ongoing reflection are essential to strong teams
What we offer our people
We value our people and offer a generous, supportive employment package, including:
- 12% superannuation
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Motor vehicle allowance for approved work journeys (as per the WEA Illawarra Enterprise Agreement 2019)
- Salary packaging options, including:
- Up to $15,900 per annum in Fringe Benefits Tax-exempt salary packaging
- Meal Entertainment Card (potential tax-free benefit of up to $2,650 per annum)
- One eligible electronic device per FBT year (terms and conditions apply)
- Access to the Fitness Passport program through our membership with AISNSW
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (AccessEAP)
How to apply
If you’re considering applying for the role of Head of Campus – Shoalhaven, we encourage you to first read the Head of Campus – Shoalhaven Position Description. This will give you a clear understanding of the role, expectations, and the qualities we are looking for.
To submit your application, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack. It contains all the details and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
All of this can be found at www.novo.nsw.edu.au/employment
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 24 August 2025
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Kim Brady – Deputy Principal
Phone: 0466 650 954
Email: kbrady@novo.nsw.edu.au
Our commitment to inclusion
WEA Illawarra acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and learn. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to creating safe and welcoming learning centres for First Nations people to flourish and grow as future community leaders.
Novo Education Space enrols a high proportion of First Nations learners. We are continually learning and growing in our diversity and inclusion commitment and practice. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people or people with culturally, linguistically, gender or other diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences.
