Position No: 2027-0849-PRN-M1-0-9
Applications Close: 10/09/2026 11:30 PM
Position Descriptor
For many years, Open Access College has been at the forefront of public education in South Australia, delivering flexible, distance learning that reaches students wherever they are. With deep expertise in online pedagogy, innovation, and student-centred learning, the College has played a vital role in making high-quality education accessible to every student, regardless of circumstance.
Located in the inner north-eastern suburbs approximately six kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, the college supports more than 5,000 students in Years R-12 across metropolitan, rural, remote, interstate, and overseas locations, and employs around 160 staff.
The South Australian Department for Education is embarking on a once-in-a-generation reform to shape the future of virtual learning, building a contemporary, connected Virtual College that will redefine what's possible for students across the state.
The Principal of Open Access College will provide skilled leadership across educational, system and reform domains, helping shape a new statewide virtual learning model. This key position will play a central role in imagining, designing and implementing this future state.
This requires strategic foresight, confidence in emerging technologies and the ability to work across the system to identify and enable new opportunities. The Principal will lead the OAC community through significant change, ensuring progress against Our strategy for public education in South Australia while contributing to statewide thinking on the capabilities needed for a modern virtual learning model.
A strong commitment to equity and inclusion is essential. The Principal will advocate for remote learners, understand how learning shifts when students are far away, and support flexible, engaging and accessible learning experiences. Leading with empathy, valuing staff wellbeing and recognising the emotional and cognitive demands of remote teaching, ensuring appropriate professional learning and support systems are in place, will be pivotal to success.
Further Information / How To Apply
- All applications will be shared with Hender Consulting.
- Visit henderconsulting.com.au for a job and person specification and instructions on how to apply.
- Visit openaccess.edu.au for further information on the current Open Access College.
- Visit discover.education.sa.gov.au/our-strategy/ for further information on the Department's strategy for public education in South Australia.
- Confidential enquiries are welcome to Justin Hinora and Andrew Reed on (08) 8100 8827.
The successful leader will communicate a compelling vision, engage effectively with families and students, and commit to their own professional development. This is a transformational role at the centre of major statewide reform to build a new Virtual College for South Australia
For the life of the 2024 SA School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement (2024 EA) the classification of this site will be determined by application of two classification systems. The classification system that generates the higher remuneration level will apply to this site for the life of the 2024 EA.
The successful applicant will be able to negotiate a reduction in the advertised tenure following their appointment, if required.
Please note that part time and flexible arrangements will be considered.
Site: OAC Marden Campus
Local Partnership: Central East
Tenure: 22/01/2027 to 21/01/2037
Fraction of time: 1.0
Classification: PRNSC6 - Principal Site Classif. 6
Conditions: $233,774 per annum FTE / Teacher Conditions
Information: Sandy Richardson
phone 8366 8814
School Website: http://www.openaccess.edu.au Job and Person Specification Eligibility and Application Instructions
We value a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences and encourage all suitable applicants to apply. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
