Holmesglen Institute is a leading provider of vocational and higher education in Victoria, with over 40 years of experience and 140,000 graduates. As one of the largest government-owned TAFEs, we offer 600+ courses across multiple campuses, including Chadstone, Moorabbin, Glen Waverley, Eildon, and Melbourne's CBD. Our hands-on learning approach is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, ensuring students gain the skills needed for successful careers. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages both staff and students to grow, innovate, and make a positive community impact.
The Opportunity:
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Full-Time | Fixed-Term contract of employment until 26 October 2026.
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HOD1 $150,650 per annum pro rata + 12% super + leave loading (dependent on qualifications and experience).
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Across multiple campuses – onsite parking with close proximity to public transport.
The Social Inclusion and Vocational College department is dedicated to supporting students who face barriers to mainstream education by providing inclusive, flexible, and supportive learning environments. The department focuses on re-engaging young people through a combination of tailored educational programs, vocational training, and holistic wellbeing support. The department’s delivery had a focus on the VCE VM, VPC and Work Education suite or programs. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, employability skills, and personal development, the department empowers students to build confidence, achieve meaningful qualifications, and transition successfully into further education, training, or employment. At its core, the department is committed to fostering equity, belonging, and long-term positive outcomes for all students.
The Head of Department provides strategic and educational leadership to ensure the effective management of human, physical and financial resources, fostering a culture of customer service, continuous improvement and high-quality educational outcomes. The role leads the development, review, and implementation of strategic educational plans and initiatives, supporting institutional priorities through the promotion and delivery of existing and emerging programs. A key responsibility is identifying senior-secondary and VET programs and qualifications that enable innovative and flexible delivery, strengthening industry partnerships and driving business strategies related to student recruitment and engagement. The position also oversees departmental compliance, ensuring that all programs meet VCAA, VRQA and ASQA standards, Training Package and Accredited Course requirements, and relevant contractual and funding obligations.
As a Head of Department, you will:
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Design and structure the annual department program profile, including the operational budget, for approval and ensure programs are delivered in accordance with contractual and registration agreements, and regulatory requirements.
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Provide leadership within the department that is inclusive, supports change and motivates and encourages all staff to maximise both teacher performance and learner outcomes.
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Provide specialised leadership in student behavioural management that takes an inclusive, restorative and trauma-informed approach
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Identify resource requirements, including human, physical and financial, structure program delivery to reflect agreed program profile and report as required on the outcomes of agreed targets across all programs within the department.
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Ensure all programs, staffing matters and acquisition of necessary resources are undertaken within scope of delegated authority and in accordance with regulatory requirements, funding agreements, and Institute procedures.
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Provide timely, concise and accurate reports in relation to program performance, department action plans and improvement strategies and ensure that departmental activities are consistent with faculty key performance indicators and Institute strategic objectives.
To be successful, you’ll have:
Mandatory
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An approved degree in a vocational area relevant to the operations of, and courses offered by, the department or approved equivalent tertiary qualifications.
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An approved course of adult teacher training accredited at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 6 or above with:
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studies in adult learning methodology
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studies in teaching in a Vocational Education environment
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studies in Applied Research (linked to the Boyer framework of scholarship)
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200 hours of supervised practicum.
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Certificate IV in Training and Assessment - TAE 40122 or equivalent predecessor or successor qualifications.
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Registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching
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Extensive experience working with students with diagnosed intellectual disabilities and from traumatic contexts
Desirable
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Post graduate qualifications in:
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a vocational field relevant to the department
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Adult Education or relevant educational field.
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A relevant post graduate management qualification or commitment to undertake a qualification in management and leadership.
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Study specific to inclusive and trauma-informed pedagogies.
WWCC and Police Check:
Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining a Victorian ‘employee’ Working with Children Check, and a valid Police Check within the last 12 months.
Our commitment to you:
At Holmesglen Institute, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and flexible workplace where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We’ve implemented strong systems and ongoing support to ensure our staff can work and deliver in a safe and adaptable environment. Our team benefits from a range of wellbeing initiatives, access to the Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional and career development. We also offer paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
Holmesglen is a child safe and equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for roles within our organisation, including the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
Here's how to apply:
Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter with responses to the Key Selection Criteria. We commit to respond to every applicant.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Alyssa Forbes-Nicholson, Dean of Education & Foundation Studies at [email protected]
For further information relating to this opportunity and to view the position description, please click here.
Applications for this position close on 11:59 pm Tuesday 30 June 2026.
If you require specific support to apply for this position or have any application queries, please contact the People Experience Department at [email protected] or on 03 9564 1530 and we will work with you to identify the best way to assist.
