OverviewHead of Operations – Tasmania's First Multi-School Organisation (MSO).
Lead a bold new chapter in Tasmania's reform of government schools.
In January 2025, following the Independent Review of Education in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government announced a trial of Multi-School Organisations (MSOs) within the government school system.
MSOs are strong families of schools, brought together under shared leadership and governance to drive improvement, equity, and innovation at scale.
The MSO model is inspired by England's Multi-Academy Trust model, which Grattan Institute's 2024 Spreading Success report identified as international best practice.
The trial is being delivered through a partnership between the Tasmanian Government and McKinnon – an independent not-for-profit organisation.The Head of Operations, reporting to the CEO, will be responsible for:ResponsibilitiesDesigning and delivering the operational backbone of the MSO, ensuring schools can focus on teaching and learning while benefiting from high-quality centralised support.Leading the optimisation of resource use, including finance, human and physical resources, compliance, communications and risk management – ensuring consistent service delivery that is both efficient and scalable, in line with DECYP policies.Working closely with the CEO to align the operations strategy with educational priorities, ensuring every decision supports the MSO's mission to improve student outcomes and close equity gaps.Recruiting and managing a lean central office to oversee these operational functions as the MSO grows.Candidate profileWe are looking for someone with a strong track record in operational leadership, ideally in a multi-site or regulated environment.
You may come from education, but we are equally open to candidates from corporate, government, or not-for-profit sectors who bring commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to public service.
You will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, building systems from scratch, and leading through change.
You are hands on, a problem-solver, a collaborator, someone who thrives in a start-up environment, and is motivated by the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Tasmania.This role offers the chance to be part of a pioneering reform effort with national and international significance.
You will work alongside a passionate and expert team, supported by local and international advisors, and contribute to a model that could reshape how school improvement is delivered in Australia.If you are excited by the challenge of building something new and believe in the power of great operations to enable great education, we would love to hear from you.How To ApplyDECYP are partnering with an external agency, Perrett Laver, for the recruitment of this role.
Applications must be submitted through Perrett Laver directly via the following link quoting reference 7963 for Head of Operations.
Please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification.You can also view the Statement of Duties hereAn applicant guide is available for more information on the role: Application Guide - Head of OperationsThe deadline for applications is 9am AEST, Monday 13th October.
Formal interviews will be taking place virtually in late October and in person in Tasmania in early-mid November.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
For a conversation in confidence please contact: Jason Murdoch DetailsSeniority level: ExecutiveEmployment type: Full-timeJob function: Management and ManufacturingIndustries: Education Administration ProgramsReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Department for Education, Children and Young People by 2x#J-18808-Ljbffr
📌 Head Of Operations
🏢 Department For Education, Children And Young People
📍 Perth