$185,000 base salary per annum (HEW Level 9 includes NSW DOE equivalence allowance) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
Full-time continuing role
Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Shape inclusive education, champion student wellbeing and position a school at the forefront of special education practice

Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of children with additional learning needs? The Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC) School is seeking a School Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership for a school recognised as a model for the most effective forms of special education practice.

MUSEC is an independent school located on our Wallumattagal Campus, catering for children from Kindergarten to Year 6 who have special learning needs. As School Principal, you will guide the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based teaching and learning within a safe and inclusive environment, while helping position the school as a recognised centre of excellence.

This is a rare opportunity to combine educational leadership with the resources of a leading university, partnering across research, practicum programs and community engagement to create meaningful impact at scale.

About the Role

Reporting to the Dean of the Macquarie School of Education, you will provide whole-school leadership across teaching, operations, compliance and culture. Your responsibilities will include:

Managing the overall operations of MUSEC, ensuring the design and delivery of high-quality, inclusive and evidence-informed educational programs aligned to strategic, financial and operational requirements.
Ensuring compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, including NESA standards, WHS and child protection, and maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.
Guiding whole-school improvement through evidence-based planning, implementation and evaluation, fostering a culture of excellence, high expectations and innovation.
Using data and evidence to inform decision-making and continuously improve student learning, wellbeing and engagement outcomes.
Ensuring the development, implementation and regular review of individual learning plans to optimise student outcomes.
Leading, managing and developing a high-performing multidisciplinary team, and building staff capability through professional learning, coaching and performance development.
Embedding evidence-based wellbeing, inclusion and engagement frameworks across the school.
Building and maintaining respectful relationships with families, university stakeholders, external agencies and community partners, and partnering with the University to support research and practicum programs.

About Us

The MUSEC School sits within the Faculty of Arts and the Macquarie School of Education, operating as a demonstration school that translates the latest research into everyday practice, benefiting children, families and the broader special education sector.

About You

You are an accomplished educational leader who brings a genuine focus on inclusion, wellbeing and evidence-based practice. You combine operational capability with the interpersonal skills to build ethical, respectful relationships across a diverse school community and university environment. Please note you will need to be an NSW Accredited Teacher.

Selection Criteria

Approved teaching qualification and current accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), Proficient or above.
Postgraduate qualification in Special Education, Education, Educational Leadership or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in a school leadership role, including leading, managing and developing a team, with managerial or supervisory experience in a special education setting.
Proven ability to establish and maintain respectful and ethical relationships with staff, children, families and other key stakeholders.
Comprehensive understanding of Child Protection Laws, best-practice child safety principles, and the responsibilities of a Mandatory Reporter (knowledge of SENTRAL desirable).

In this role, work hours may vary from time to time to accommodate School needs.

***Please note that this role requires a current NSW Working with Children Check and Criminal History Check

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: 4 September 2026

For role enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Kim Wilson, Primary School Principal at kim.wilson@mq.edu.au

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date including closing the advertisement.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

04/09/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.

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