Employment

About CEM

Christian Education Ministries (CEM) is a protestant non-denominational, Christian Education organisation, whose mission is to develop each and every student to be equipped spiritually, academically, socially and physically to flourish into their full potential, and be a positive influence on the world around them. CEM is wholeheartedly committed to excellence in education so that students are “well known, well loved, and well taught” by dedicated trained Christian staff.

CEM is a growing network, with 16 schools (including the Australian Christian College schools) and 3 early learning centres, in 5 states, and is also the largest non-government Distance Education and home schooling provider in Australia.

CEM’s national office is located on the Central Coast of NSW (Erina) and we are always on the lookout for individuals who are passionate about Christian Education and have relevant skills and experience to add value to our growing team. Based at our national office are Business & Finance, Admin, HR, ICT, Buildings (Project Managers & Architects), and Marketing.

Requirements

• Suitable experience.
• Capacity to work and collaborate within a dynamic team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders throughout the organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Confident in using cloud-based applications and familiar with modern technology.
• Ability to maintain an energetic, self-motivated and enthusiastic work ethic.
• Possess, or would be successful in obtaining, a Working with Children Check.
• Servant heart, vibrant Christian faith, and are actively involved in your local church.

Benefits

CEM employees can access a range of staff benefits, including:

• An attractive remuneration package, including superannuation entitlements, will be offered to match the relevant demonstrated skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• Flexibility of work hours and/or location will be considered for the right candidate.
• Being part of a growing group of organisations that are reimagining Christian Education in Australia.
• Grow in your faith, skills and experience.
• Being part of a faith community that shares regular devotions and prayer.
• NSW’s Central Coast is ideally located between Sydney and Newcastle, offering a vibrant coastal lifestyle.

About CEM

Christian Education Ministries (CEM) is a protestant non-denominational, Christian Education organisation, whose mission is to develop each and every student to be equipped spiritually, academically, socially and physically to flourish into their full potential, and be a positive influence on the world around them. CEM is wholeheartedly committed to excellence in education so that students are “well known, well loved, and well taught” by dedicated trained Christian staff.

CEM is a growing network, with 16 schools (including the Australian Christian College schools) in 5 states. Five of our schools operate a Distance Education (DE) Program with a combined enrolment of over 3000 students.

We are seeking a suitably qualified candidate to join our team as the National Head of DE. This is a new role in our organisation and the successful candidate would support our DE teams and programs across the country.

About the Role

The key function of the National Head of DE is to ensure that our DE schools are growing (through new growth and increased retention) and that our DE schools are providing a quality experience for students and parents. The National Head of DE will work closely with all of the DE Leadership Teams, and where relevant, School Principals. You will also be working as a part of the CEM Education Services Team.

Key Job Functions:

1. DE Leadership through the CEM Vision and the CEM Way 
1. Provide strategic leadership in DE according to the CEM Vision and the CEM Way.
2. Meet regularly with the DE Leadership Teams and develop their capacity to lead and manage. 
2. DE Growth & Development 
1. Lead initiatives to grow the Distance Education schools in their state & national context.
2. Identify & build new markets & sub-markets that could benefit from DE. 
3. Improve retention of existing DE customers. 
3. DE Quality Experience 
1. Ensure that DE customers receive the highest quality of service that CEM aspires to throughout its organisation.
4. Other Projects as determined, identified, or directed by the Assistant CEO.

This full time role commences January 2027.

You will be a highly capable and collaborative Christian education leader with:

• A committed Christian faith and active involvement in the church.
• A strong alignment with the CEM Vision, mission and CEM Way values.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, with postgraduate qualifications in leadership or education highly regarded.
• Current or recent teacher registration in an Australian state or territory.
• Significant leadership experience within a school or education environment.
• Experience in Distance Education, online learning or flexible learning environments, highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and develop the capacity of leadership teams.
• A proven ability to lead growth, innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking, including the ability to identify new markets and improve enrolment retention.
• A strong commitment to delivering an excellent experience for students and families.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across multiple schools and states.
• The ability to analyse data, identify trends and translate insights into practical action.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage competing national priorities.
• A willingness and capacity to travel regularly to CEM schools across Australia.
• A current Working with Children Check or the ability to obtain the relevant clearances.

Benefits

CEM employees can access a range of staff benefits, including:

• WHEREFIT health & wellbeing benefits program with 15-50% off leading brands
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing & packaging options.
• Grow in your faith, skills and experience.
• EAP program
• Being part of an authentic faith community that shares regular bible devotions and prayer.

About Christian Education Ministries (CEM)

CEM is a not-for-profit, non-denominational, protestant Christian organisation. CEM's head office is located on the Central Coast NSW but operates 16 schools, 3 childcare centres and a home schooling service across Australia in 5 states (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, TAS). God has currently entrusted the organisation to educate and minister to 6,500 students across the group. Further, God has called over 800 committed staff members to CEM who are gifted to lead, teach and influence the next generation for eternity.

Join our innovative Teacher Traineeship Model offering a unique opportunity to earn as you learn in a school setting. Break away from traditional routes of studying teaching for 3-4 years before entering the classroom; instead, dive into practical teaching experience from day one, gradually increasing your in-school involvement throughout the program.

About the Role

As a Trainee Teacher, you will benefit from comprehensive support throughout your learning journey:

• CEM Teaching School Manager: Facilitating a supportive and excellent Christian Teacher Formation program in collaboration with a host school and tertiary partner Christian Heritage College.
• Christian University Lecturers / CEM specialists: Offering support and guidance on specific coursework, aligned with endorsed teaching degrees.
• School-based Teaching School Coordinator: facilitating the Christian Teacher Formation Program at the school level
• School-based Mentor Teacher: Guiding your development as a distinctly Christian educator, equipping you with practical wisdom

About You

Are you a practicing Christian, passionate about pursuing a career in teaching but seek a more immersive and apprenticeship approach to your tertiary studies? Do you thrive in supportive environments where mentorship and support are readily available? Are you excited about integrating your Christian faith into your teaching practice? Would you like your tertiary fees offset by a scholarship? If so, you could be the ideal candidate for our Trainee Teacher program.

Benefits

Our scholarship program offers a range of benefits to successful candidates:

• Paid Teacher / Education Assistant position at a CEM school, with initial involvement of at least one day per week.
• Financial scholarship to alleviate tertiary course costs.
• MacBook provided to aid in completing formal work requirements.
• Ongoing employment as a teacher at a CEM School upon successful course completion.

How to Apply

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Follow these steps:

1. Go to our Teacher Training School information page by clicking here.
2. Express your interest in the opportunity.
3. Meet with the CEM Teacher Training School Coordinator.
4. Participate in interviews with CEM Executive (held between September and mid-November annually).
5. Confirm ATAR or equivalent entry requirements for undergraduate degree.
6. Await notification of scholarship acceptance.

Candidates progressing through the selection process will be granted a conditional teacher traineeship, subject to meeting tertiary entrance requirements. Following this, you'll have the chance to visit your potential placement school and meet the Principal before commencing online lectures in late January/early February each year.

For further enquiries, please reach out to Anna Plant at [email protected].