As part of the Partnership Initiative, Garbutt State School have a Head of Department (focus on Culture and Connection) position available for the 2026 school year.

This role will build and strengthen connections with community partners, families and agencies.

A key focus is to build teacher capability and capacity to embed First nations perspectives, into the three levels of planning, with a focus on Indigenous/English as an Additional Language or Dialect (I/EALD) strategies.

About the Department

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

Our school and your opportunity

Garbutt State School is a regional Prep-Year 6 school delivering inclusive learning and community-connected education as part of the Partnership Initiative.  
 
 As Head of Department (Culture and Connection), your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Develops, connects, and strengthens relationships between the school, families, Traditional Owners, Indigenous organisations, Garbutt community, and local service providers.
• Leads and supports culturally informed, place-based practices within the school.
• Co-designs family, community, and cultural initiatives that enhance student engagement and strengthen school-community partnerships.
• Enhance the cultural capability through coaching and mentoring of staff and ensure Indigenous knowledges, language, and culture are embedded authentically across curriculum, pedagogy, and school events.
• Acts as liaison and advocate for Indigenous families, ensuring they have access to services and supports.

The successful applicant will:

• Support leadership team to strengthen cultural capability across all staff through coaching & mentoring.
• Lead culturally responsive practices across whole-school events, rituals, language use, and daily routines.
• Provide guidance on cultural protocols, kinship systems, community processes, and appropriate engagement pathways.
• Advise teachers on embedding Indigenous perspectives in AC v9 planning.
• Co-lead alignment of curriculum with HOD Curriculum.
• Model, Coach & Support teachers to integrate local stories, language resources, cultural knowledges, and community expertise.
• Assist with Tier 2 & 3 engagement and support case management in attendance, wellbeing & academic.
• Strengthen Prep transition and support Ready for School initiatives.
• Strengthen transition pathways for all students heading to high school.
• Lead and maintain genuine relationships with community stakeholders.
• Lead and maintain community voice group.
• Facilitate co-design of community hub & enrolment space.
• Ensure Traditional Owner groups and key Indigenous organisations are engaged and visible within the school.
• Connect families with school events and services.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history).
• Attach a written response (1-page maximum) addressing the Role Description 'How you will be assessed' section. 
• Attach a copy of your mandatory requirements outlined in the Role Description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.