Outdoor Education Director - Googa

The Opportunity: Director – Googa Outdoor Education Centre

Location: Blackbutt, Queensland

Position type: (Residential Live-In) 
The is an Executive Leadership Role therefore living on-site in provided accommodation is a requirement of this position.

About Googa Outdoor Education Centre
Nestled in the stunning Blackbutt Ranges of Queensland, approximately two hours’ drive from Brisbane, Googa Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre (“Googa”) is a unique and transformative learning environment. Operated as a partnership of Lutheran schools and colleges, Googa is dedicated to fostering resilience, leadership, personal and spiritual growth in students through immersive outdoor experiences.

Set on 126 hectares near Blackbutt, Googa offers a back-to-basics approach where students engage in daily chores, take responsibility for their well-being, and experience the rewards of teamwork. While programs range in duration for primary and secondary students, the core experience consists of four-week outdoor education journeys designed primarily for Year 9 or Year 10 students.

With expansion plans underway, including a second campus in development, this is an exciting time to lead and shape the future of Googa.

The Opportunity
This is not just a job—it’s a lifestyle and a calling.

As Director of Googa, you’ll lead a small, dedicated team in a residential role, embracing excellent education embedded in the rhythms of rural life. The leadership aspects of the role involve: being the custodian of a unique outdoor education ministry that nurtures the physical, personal, social, and spiritual growth of both students and staff; mentoring staff and students, and role modelling life-long learning.

As Director, you will work closely with the Googa Management Committee and the Owner Schools, ensuring that Googa’s programs align with its mission, values, and relevant educational objectives, meeting high standards of student engagement and behaviour.

Your Role as Director
This role equates with an Executive Role that would typically be found in any Lutheran School in Senior Leadership, the best example being Head of Campus.

As a remote campus (relative to urban living) the Googa Director will require initiative to communicate with the Chair and members of the Googa Committee on a broad range of matters; confidence to make timely and appropriate decisions as an Executive Educator in a rural setting will also be required.

Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with staff, students, parents and local community members is essential for success in this role.

Leadership & Vision
> Set the standard for excellent service, mentorship, and faith-based leadership, embodying the values of Grace, Optimism, Order, Generosity, and Authenticity.
>In liaison with the Googa Management Committee, lead the strategic and operational growth of Googa, including the expansion into new facilities and programs.
> Foster strong relationships with owner schools, external partners, and fellow Lutheran Education Queensland Outdoor Education Centres.
> Ensure that programs develop, where relevant, to align with current educational best practices while maintaining Googa’s distinctive outdoor and experiential learning approach.
> Lead and encourage a process of continuous improvement as associated with the Googa program and facilities.

Operations & Program Oversight
> Oversee the development, delivery, and regular evaluation of all Educational and wellbeing programs .
> Ensure that all health and safety protocols, including risk management and emergency preparedness, are consistently maintained and documented.
> Manage staff accommodation, site maintenance, and residential logistics to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for students and staff alike.
> Be available for on-call emergencies and crisis management.
> Work closely with the Googa Committee’s designated Business Manager regarding the Googa Budget and Strategic and Master Planning.
> Ensure proper documentation and record keeping of student incidents with timely reporting to the staff of the visiting school.

Faith-Based Leadership & Wellbeing
> Create an overtly Christian environment in the Lutheran Tradition, incorporating faith-based activities, devotions, and servant leadership principles for staff and students.
> Proactively and reactively as necessary oversee student welfare, including their spiritual, personal, health, and diverse learning and behavioural needs .
> Maintain open and timely communication with students, parents, and schools regarding student progress and well-being.

Staff Development & Management
> Lead, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of outdoor educators and support staff.
> Provide ongoing professional learning opportunities both internally and through external providers.
> Ensure compliance with all child protection policies and staff performance management processes.
> Maintain a staff culture that is service focused and embraces relevant aspects of the Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) Growing Deep Framework.
> Employ, performance manage and dismiss staff as per the requirements of Googa, and where necessary in alignment with all relevant requirements of the
> Queensland Lutheran Schools Single Enterprise Agreement, liaising and consulting with the Chair of the Googa Committee as necessary.

What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking an inspiring educational leader with a passion for Outdoor Education, faith-based leadership, and a capacity for strategic development.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:
The successful applicant will:
> Be an active member in a Christian church
> Have Leadership experience
> Outdoor Recreation/Outdoor Leadership as a personal and educational interest with relevant qualifications (or the goal to attain Outdoor Education qualifications as required)
> Be certified in Senior First Aid & CPR Certification and ideally have current Remote/Wilderness First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
> Possess a Manual Driver’s License (or willingness to obtain)
> Have the ability to manage a student residential facility
> Willingly camp outdoors, work irregular hours, weekends, and school holidays
> Possess QCT Registration (not mandatory but is a highly desirable qualification)

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
> Extensive experience in working with young adolescence and upper primary students
> Experience in teaching, outdoor education, leadership, or ministry-based youth programs
> Experience in strategic planning and operational management

Why Join Googa?
At Googa and within Lutheran Education Qld, we embrace a culture of growth, resilience, and faith, supporting both our students and staff in their personal and professional journeys.
< As the Director of Googa, you will enjoy:
< A truly unique leadership opportunity in one of Queensland’s most distinctive outdoor education centres.
< Continuous Professional Development to support your growth as an educator and leader.
< Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional well-being.
< Salary Packaging & Superannuation Benefits.

How to Apply
Submit your application by 5:00 PM AEST, 14 May 2025. Please include:
* Applications are to be addressed to the Chair of the Googa Committee, Mr David Radke.
* A Cover Letter detailing your leadership experience and vision for Googa
* A detailed Resume
* Any relevant supporting documents.

Early applications are encouraged, as the Googa Committee reserves the right to engage strong candidates prior to the closing date.

Join Us
If you’re ready to combine your leadership skills, faith, and passion for outdoor education in a role that changes lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Be part of something transformative. Be part of Googa.