Head of School Vantage by Unity

A Once-in-a-Generation Invitation to Lead We are searching the globe for the educator who will define the future of Muslim schooling.
About Unity GrammarUnity Grammar College is one of Australia's most established independent Islamic schools, serving Western Sydney's Muslim communities since 2008. Over 18 years, Unity has grown to nearly 1,500 learners, 150 educators, and a nationally recognised NESA-accredited curriculum combining academic excellence with Islamic values. Financially stable, governance-mature, and deeply community-rooted, Unity provides the secure platform from which a founding Head of School can build with confidence.
About Vantage by UnityLaunching in Sydney in 2027, Vantage reimagines Islamic education by transforming the entire city into its campus — studios, labs, galleries, civic institutions, and industry partners replace fixed classrooms. Built on the Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) model — a synthesis of project-based learning, design thinking, and Islamic pedagogy — Vantage develops graduates who are academically excellent, spiritually anchored in Qur'anic principles, future-ready for industry and entrepreneurship, and ethically driven to serve humanity. The Vantage graduate is a Smart Muslim Creative: academic mastery, spiritual depth, and moral conviction in one person.
The Role: Head of SchoolThe Head of School will serve as the founding educational leader of Vantage - responsible for translating a deeply developed architecture into a living, breathing school. This is not a conventional principalship. It is the leadership of a movement: building culture, curriculum, and community from the ground up within a city-as-campus model that has no precedent in Australian Islamic education.
Commencement: July 2026 (Design Activation & Launch Phase) - School Launch: 2027
The Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) ModelThe UXL model is the pedagogical engine of Vantage. It integrates the NESA-accredited curriculum with a structured sequence of real-world projects, industry mentorship, and reflective practice. The Head of School will be responsible for bringing this model to life and embedding it across every dimension of school life.
Theory of Change: Four Building BlocksVantage’s educational theory of change is structured around four interconnected pillars. The Head of School will design and lead the delivery of all four with coherence and rigour.
ProgrammingCo-designed curriculum with industry and higher education partners, integrating NESA requirements with real-world application. CoachingEducators operating as Learning Coaches, Expedition Guides, Competency Architects, and Experts in Residence. Experiences + ImmersionsCity-as-campus learning across studios, labs, galleries, civic institutions, and industry environments. Attainment + PathwaysAcademic outcomes achieved through deep, applied, and reflective engagement — not rote memorisation.
Core ResponsibilitiesThe Head of School will operate across three interconnected domains during the launch phase and into the school’s first operational year.
Academic & Curriculum Leadership–   Lead the foundational design of the academic, operational, and cultural framework for a 2027 school launch–   Implement the integrated Australian and state (NESA) mandated curriculum with the Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) model across Stages 4–6–   Design assessment frameworks that evidence mastery and real-world application, not rote recall–   Establish learning progressions, unit structures, and the city-as-campus timetable model–   Embed Islamic principles and ethics organically across all curriculum areas and learner experiences
People & Culture–   Recruit, coach, mentor, and inspire a founding team of innovative educators and learning designers–   Build team structures around the four educator archetypes: Learning Coach, Expedition Guide, Competency Architect, and Expert in Residence–   Shape a values-driven school culture that reflects ihsan, creativity, and spiritual depth–   Design staff professional development aligned to the UXL model
Strategic Partnerships & Presence–   Forge strategic partnerships with universities, industry organisations, and civic institutions across Sydney–   Build and activate an Educational Advisory Board of leading practitioners and scholars–   Represent Vantage publicly as a thought leader in Islamic educational transformation - nationally and internationally–   Collaborate with Unity Grammar’s leadership team and board on governance, compliance, and strategic milestones
Operational Leadership–   Lead NESA registration and compliance processes in collaboration with Unity Grammar’s executive team–   Oversee the design and fit-out of learning environments that reflect the modular, open, adaptive Vantage model–   Manage the school’s establishment calendar, enrolment pipeline, and community engagement programme–   Integrate wellbeing, health, and spiritual awareness into the rhythm of daily school life
The Ideal CandidateVantage is searching for a visionary pioneer - an experienced innovator, not a traditional educator. The successful appointee will demonstrate deep alignment with the Islamic worldview, courage to build new models of learning, and the ability to inspire others around a shared mission.
Professional BackgroundCandidates may currently serve as a Head of Teaching and Learning, Head of Department, or Deputy Principal in a forward-thinking school; as a leader of interdisciplinary programmes in Creative Arts, Technology, or Social Sciences; or as an educational entrepreneur leading innovative project-based models. A systems-thinking mindset is essential - the ability to translate vision into operational reality while cultivating innovation and spiritual purpose.
Qualifications–   Postgraduate qualifications in Education or Leadership (Master’s preferred)–   Proven record of leading institutional innovation and educational reform–   Expertise in project-based, inquiry-based, or experiential learning–   Ability to embed Islamic principles and ethics into educational design–   Competence in forming partnerships with academic and industry networks
Personal Attributes–   Deep faith, humility, and integrity–   Strategic foresight with operational clarity–   Courage to innovate and resilience in navigating ambiguity–   Reflective, collaborative, and mentoring leadership style–   Commitment to ihsan - excellence in service to learners and humanity
What This Role Is NotThis is not a role for an administrator maintaining an existing model. It is not a role for someone who needs certainty before acting. It is a role for a builder - someone who is energised by the responsibility of creating something that does not yet exist, and who understands that the most important educational institutions of the next generation are being founded right now.
A Global Invitation, a Complete Relocation Package We are committed to making your move to Australia as seamless as possible for you and your family.
International Relocation Package
Vantage by Unity is a global search. The right leader may be anywhere in the world.
Compensation: Above-benchmark remuneration designed to be compelling by global comparison; milestone-linked performance incentives; 12% statutory superannuation on top of base salary.
Relocation: Flights for appointee and family (initial relocation + annual home visit); generous relocation allowance for shipping and settling-in; furnished temporary accommodation on arrival (up to 8 weeks); full visa sponsorship for appointee and immediate family.
Family & Community: Fee remission at Unity Grammar for school-aged children; integration support into Western Sydney's vibrant Muslim community — masjid, halaqat, and extended networks; dedicated NESA transition mentor for international educators.
Professional: Annual budget for international conferences and study tours; full design and implementation authority from day one; 3-year initial appointment with renewal option.
Why Sydney?
Consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, with outstanding infrastructure, healthcare, and natural beauty. Western Sydney is home to one of the most dynamic Muslim communities in the Southern Hemisphere — masjid, Islamic schools, halal food, and rich cultural life. For the right leader, it is not just a career destination but a home where faith, family, and purpose flourish together.
Australia offers an exceptional quality of life for families, with world-class public schools, healthcare under Medicare for eligible visa holders, and a safe, welcoming social environment.For the right leader, Sydney represents not just a career destination but a home - a city where faith, family, and professional purpose can flourish together.
And for the Muslim professional seeking to contribute to something civilisationally significant, Vantage by Unity is arguably one of the most compelling educational projects anywhere in the world today.
How to ApplyExpressions of interest are invited globally. All applications are treated with strict confidence. Application Submission–   A cover letter outlining your educational philosophy and leadership vision (2–3 pages)–   A curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience and achievements–   Contact details for three referees (not contacted without prior consent)–   An optional creative or reflective artefact offering insight into how you approach learning, leadership, and purpose Contact & Enquiries Dr. Sayd FarookStrategic Director, Unity Grammar College sayd@vantagebyunity.school sfarook@unitygrammar.nsw.edu.au Full Advertisement on SEEK: seek.com.au/job/91246945
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