Headmaster

Position Title: Headmaster
Reports to: Governing Council
Direct Reports: Heads of School, Programme Coordinators, Business Manager, Executive Leadership Team, staff members
Classification: Senior Executive
Employment Type: Full-Time | Ongoing
Location: 3-5 Wollongong Road, Arncliffe NSW 2205

Position Purpose
The headmaster provides strategic, spiritual, academic, and operational leadership across the College ensuring the delivery of high-quality IB and NESA-aligned education in line with the College’s Islamic ethos, government compliance standards, in line with the vision of the College. As the educational leader, the headmaster will:

• Uphold the College’s mission, vision, and values.
• Foster a culture of excellence, unity, and service.
• Collaborate with the College Council, staff, students, and community to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Educational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership for the College in alignment with the mission of Al Zahra College and the IB philosophy.
• Lead the implementation, review, and authorisation requirements for the IB Programmes.
• Lead the continuous development of a unified, high-standard curriculum and ensure alignment with NESA and IB frameworks.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning practices to ensure high standards of achievement and student progress.
• Guide and mentor the College’s leadership and teaching teams to meet academic and wellbeing goals.
• Lead the implementation of assessment frameworks and data analysis (e.g., NAPLAN, PAT) to inform teaching and improve outcomes. Promote a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation across all areas of the school.

Islamic and Community Leadership

• Embed Islamic values across all areas of life.
• Strengthen partnerships with parents, the Islamic community, and external organisations.
• Support the spiritual development and ethical character of students and staff.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to IB, NESA, Child Safety Standards, WHS, and ACND regulations.
• Report regularly to the Governing Council on school performance, strategy and compliance.
• Ensure that all staff and students are accountable for contributing to the success of the school.
• Oversee policies, risk management, staff conduct, and grievance resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the integrity of the College in all matters.

Staff Leadership and Professional Development

• Lead recruitment, appraisal, and professional development of staff.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative professional culture.
• Ensure effective delegation, communication, and collaboration among staff.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture. Support participation in IB workshops, AISNSW programs, and relevant PD.

Operational and Resource Management

• Oversee budgeting, facilities, and resource allocation with the Business Manager. Maintain effective organisational systems and school operations (enrolments, timetabling, calendar events, excursions, co-curricular programs).

Community Engagement and Communication

• Serve as the College’s primary ambassador to stakeholders.
• Ensure clear, timely, and effective communication across the school community.
• Oversee the Annual Report, school policies, curriculum guides and digital content.

Selection Criteria
Essential Criteria

• Senior leadership experience in an IB/ Independent school setting.
• NESA- registered teacher with a WWC.
• Expertise in K-12 education, IB frameworks and NESA curriculum.
• Proven ability to lead team, drive change, and foster inclusive learning.
• Commitment to Islamic values and the mission of Al Zahra College.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Attributes

• Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership or related fields.
• Experience leading IB authorisation/ school accreditation.
• Financial and resource management skills

Professional Conduct

• Model professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Support a culture of excellence, wellbeing, and collegiality.
• Uphold all College policies (WHS, student welfare, staff conduct).
• Engage actively in co-curricular and community events.

Information for applicants
Closing date: 14 July 2025
How to Apply:  Please send your Cover letter and resume and contact details of three referees to council@azc.nsw.edu.au
Enquiries: Visit www.azc.nsw.edu.au or email council@azc.nsw.edu.au