Principal jobs in Australia
Principals lead schools, set strategic direction and oversee staff, students and community relationships. Roles span government, Catholic and independent school systems across metropolitan and regional areas.
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Principal Salesforce Business Analyst
Information & Communication Technology
Job summary
About the Client Our client is a major Australian university delivering an enterprise Salesforce Ed
Principal
Education & Training / Other
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished educational leader to lead a unique independent school with a strong commitment to bilingual education, academic excellence and the integration of Italian language and culture across the curriculum. The Opportunity The Principal will provide the educational, operational and strategic leadership of the School, ensuring the delivery of high quality learning while fostering a safe, inclusive and positive environment for students, staff and families. Working closely with the General Manager and Board of Directors, the Principal will lead the next chapter of the Italian Bilingual School, with responsibility spanning educational excellence, school improvement, staff leadership, student wellbeing, operations, financial management, governance and community engagement. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to: Lead high-quality teaching and learning across the School and ensure the effective delivery of the NSW Curriculum and NESA requirements.
Principal
Job summary
The National Director of Marist Schools Australia, Dr John Kyle-Robinson, invites suitably qualified and experienced Catholic educators to apply for the position of Principal at Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon. Lavalla Catholic College is governed by Marist Schools Australia and educates approximately 1,400 young women and men across years 7 to 12.
Principal
Education & Training / Other
Job summary
Employment Status: Full-timeEligibility: Australian Citizen or Permanent ResidentStart Date: January 2027 About Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited (CACGEL) is a leading education provider in the Canberra and southern NSW region.
Principal
Education & Training / Other
Job summary
Advertised Vacancy Number: PR1063557 This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension and/or permanency Note: This position is being advertised as part of a new recruitment process for principal positions.
Principal
Education & Training / Other
Job summary
Advertised Vacancy Number: PR1062007 This is a 24 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 4, 2026 with possible extension (12 months) Note: This position is being advertised as part of a new recruitment process for principal positions.
PRINCIPAL
Job summary
Glenunga International High School (GIHS) is a highly respected values based public school, recognised for academic excellence, innovation, student agency and holistic education.
Principal
Education & Training / Other
Job summary
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales.
Principal
Education & Training
Job summary
Job No: TCE5073 Commencement Date: 11 January 2027 Location: St Benedict's Catholic School - Shaw QLD Salary Range: $195,610 per annum pending experience + Super + Allowances As Townsville’s newest Catholic primary school, St Benedict's Catholic School, Shaw offers a rare opportunity for an inspiring educational leader to shape a thriving, modern learning community.
Principal
Education & Training
Job summary
Job No: TCE5047 Commencement Date: 11 January 2027 Location: St Colman's Catholic School, Home Hill Salary Range: $167,366 per annum pending experience + Super Incentives: ITAS Allowance Join the leadership team at St Colman's Catholic School, as Principal where your leadership, faith and vision will help shape a vibrant learning community built on care, excellence and Catholic values.
Frequently Asked Questions
A principal role typically involves setting a school's strategic direction, managing staff and overseeing student wellbeing and educational outcomes. The position also includes engaging with parents, the broader community and education department requirements. This mix of practical and people-facing work is part of what keeps principal.
You need teacher registration and significant leadership experience, often including several years as a deputy principal or assistant principal. Many principal jobs also value postgraduate qualifications in educational leadership or management. Building this foundation early makes it easier to move confidently into principal roles as opportunities arise.
A principal holds overall accountability for a school's strategic direction, staffing and outcomes, while a deputy principal supports this work, often overseeing specific areas such as student wellbeing, curriculum or a particular year level. Understanding this distinction helps candidates target the right principal opportunities from the outset.
Yes, most principal jobs involve significant budget responsibility, overseeing school finances alongside staffing, facilities and educational resourcing decisions in line with departmental or governing board requirements. Employers usually outline these specifics in the job ad itself, so it pays to read the full listing closely.
Principals can progress into larger school appointments, regional education leadership or executive positions within an education department. Some move into consulting or academic roles focused on school leadership development. With the right experience, this progression can open doors well beyond a first role in principal.
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