Description:
- Make a meaningful impact on Indigenous education by leading a school through transformation and renewal within a culturally rich environment.
- Drive governance, teaching excellence, and community engagement in a unique two-way Learning environment.
- Earn a competitive salary of $206,000 - $219,840 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay!
- Relocation assistance, vehicle allowance, and professional development opportunities.
Who We Are:
Yipirinya School is one of only a few Independent Aboriginal Community-Driven Schools in Australia. It was founded by Indigenous Elders in Alice Springs and remains under the control of a 100% Aboriginal Board. The only school in Australia that teaches four Aboriginal languages alongside English, Yipirinya School has a unique history and is at the cutting edge of Aboriginal Two-Way Education.
We provide a culturally safe and culturally informed education, and we now have an exciting opportunity for an Interim Principal to lead our school through a critical 12-month period of transformation and governance rebuilding.
This is an opportunity to drive real change , ensuring our school continues to provide culturally informed, high-quality education while strengthening its operational and leadership frameworks.
Your Next Opportunity:
Yipirinya School is looking for a full-time Interim Principal (12-month Contract) based in Alice Springs, NT .
Reporting to the Yipirinya School Board, this role is responsible for ensuring school compliance with Northern Territory education regulations, improving governance structures, and developing an effective teaching and learning framework.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ensuring full compliance with the Northern Territory Education Act, school registration, and funding requirements
- Leading governance restoration efforts by fostering trust and collaboration with the Board
- Overseeing and strengthening curriculum delivery, ensuring high-quality teaching practices aligned with the Australian curriculum
- Providing culturally responsive leadership, integrating Aboriginal language, culture, and knowledge into the education model
- Managing school operations, budgeting, and strategic planning for long-term sustainability
- Leading staff recruitment, performance management, and professional development initiatives
- Representing the school in government meetings, regulatory engagements, and accreditation processes
- Fostering social cohesion within the school community by strengthening relationships between students, improving staff morale and collaboration, and rebuilding trust between the Board and leadership team.
A key focus of this role is to rebuild and strengthen the school's teaching and learning framework, ensuring that the Australian Curriculum is consistently implemented across all levels. The Principal will work closely with staff to mentor teachers, standardise curriculum delivery, and bring in key education experts to support pedagogy development.
To read the full position description, please click here.
What You Will Bring to the Team:
To qualify, you will need Northern Territory Teacher Registration (TRB NT) – Full Registration (or ability to obtain) . You must also have prior experience as a Principal in a school setting.
A deep understanding of Aboriginal cultures , Northern Territory education regulations , and curriculum development expertise will also be essential.
Additionally, the following qualifications and experiences will be highly valued:
- Experience working with Aboriginal communities and remote schools
- Demonstrated ability to rebuild school structures and governance
- Strong curriculum development and implementation expertise
As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as resilience, adaptability, and cultural awareness to lead the school through a significant change process. Your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and mentorship skills will be essential in ensuring positive outcomes for staff and students.
This is a high-impact role that requires a dynamic and experienced leader who can restore governance, elevate teaching quality, and drive sustainable growth in a culturally complex environment.
While we welcome applications from all experienced school leaders, candidates with lived experience in the Northern Territory or experience working in Central Australian Aboriginal communities will be highly regarded. Understanding of the diverse cultural groups in Central Australia is essential for success in this role.
The successful applicant will also be required to attend a pre-employment medical check.
The Benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary of $206,000 - $219,840 per annum + Superannuation , you will receive a range of benefits, including:
- Salary packaging up to ~$16,000 (PBI benefits) to increase your take-home pay
- Vehicle allowance
- Relocation assistance for the right candidate
- Six weeks of annual leave (to be taken during the Christmas period)
- Professional development opportunities
- The chance to make a profound impact on Indigenous education and community development
Ready to Apply?
This role is critical for the school’s ongoing registration and long-term sustainability. Immediate start preferred.
If you are a passionate, experienced school leader ready to drive positive change, Apply Now and lead Yipirinya School into a bright and sustainable future!