Located in St Kilda,
St Michael’s Grammar School is a leading independent, co-educational Anglican school educating students from early learning to Year 12.
St Michael’s is shaped by a clear moral purpose and a contemporary learning vision: an ecosystem that nourishes, sustains and grows every learner, grounded in the values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion. Founded in 1895, the School’s inquiry-driven approach draws on the Reggio Emilia Educational Project - cultivating curiosity, collaboration and courageous thinking - while a strong academic program sits alongside exceptional wellbeing and co-curricular opportunity. In this context, St Michael’s is making a decisive, uncommon investment in literacy leadership to strengthen consistency, shared language and measurable improvement.
The Director of Literacy (K–12) reports to the Deputy Head of the School – Teaching and Instructional Leadership and works closely with Directors of Prep–3, 4–6, 7–9 and 10–12, Heads of Faculty, and Learning Services to align literacy expectations, data and practice across the School.
This is a rare opportunity to implement at scale a strategy for literacy that is evidence based, aligned and sequential in approach; lifting understanding, strengthening the application of a shared vocabulary to enhance outcomes, across a complex K–12 environment. The Director of Literacy will ensure English programs are well scoped, sequenced and documented across Junior and Senior Schools, providing expert guidance, and professional development so literacy is intentionally embedded across all core F-10 Learning Areas, building collective efficacy, disciplined implementation and a thriving academic culture. The role also leads and manages, with the support of an assistant, the English Faculty (across Years 7–12).
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
- Lead evidence-informed literacy improvement using assessment and longitudinal data to drive action and measurable impact across K–12.
- Build shared disciplinary literacy expectations across F-10 Learning Areas, strengthening coherent assessment language, feedback practices and reporting.
- Design and implement aligned scope-and-sequence documentation, with disciplined follow-through, coaching and professional learning that lifts staff capability.
- Lead a high-performing English Faculty (7–12) with clarity, rigour and relational intelligence, strengthening moderation, curriculum quality and senior outcomes.
- Work with credibility as an exemplary English teacher who can model practice and build trust across a diverse, high-capacity staff culture.
- Align authentically with St Michael’s ethos and values, combining moral purpose with pragmatic, action-oriented leadership that earns followership.
Offered as a three-year fixed-term contract (with the option to renew for a further 2 years), with a generous leadership allotment and commencement during Semester 2, 2026 (or by negotiation for a January 2027 start), applicants will be experienced educational experts who thrive when actively contributing to industry best practice, must have an existing right to work in Australia and hold current VIT registration (or eligibility to hold).
St Michael’s Grammar School staff comply with the School’s child safety policies and related policies and procedures, upholding the principles and values set out in legislative frameworks and regulations, at all times conducting themselves in accordance with the commitment to take all reasonable steps to promote the safety of children. St Michael’s Grammar School has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and is committed to promoting child safety, children's wellbeing and protecting children from abuse.
Hutton Consulting Australia (HCA) is partnering with St Michael’s Grammar School in the search and selection process for this position. Prior to applying, please contact the lead consultant Christophe Menagé on chris.menage@hutton.education for a confidential discussion and to obtain a Candidate Information Pack.
Application closing date: 7pm Sunday 21 June 2026, although kindly note HCA and the School reserve the right to appoint prior to the deadline.
Applications to be submitted only via HCA’s website (https://hutton.education/opportunities).
Kindly note, applications via other platforms will not be accepted.
