NICK DOWLER

• In my role as Acting Principal, I provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the smooth running of the school. I support staff, strengthen community relationships, and uphold a culture of high expectations aligned with diocesan priorities.
• Manage $400,000 budget and allocated funds effectively for various school programs and projects.
• Lead responsive and community-oriented school operations, ensuring consistent and high-quality learning experiences across K–6.
• Strengthen staff capacity and cohesion through daily leadership support, strategic communication, and collaborative decision-making.
• Oversee enrolment growth strategies and community engagement initiatives aligned with diocesan goals.
• Implement rigorous curriculum standards that aligned with state requirements to ensure academic excellence across all grade levels.
• Expanded extracurricular offerings to promote well-rounded student development both inside and outside the classroom.
• Manage successful hiring processes ensuring highly qualified professionals were recruited.
• Navigate complex educational policies while ensuring compliance with state regulations governing schools.

• My role with St Kevin’s includes providing strategic direction and collaborative coaching.

Responsibilities:

• Designed and implemented whole-school improvement strategies
• Reviewed and analysed data and recommended solutions to improve the overall success and productivity of the school.
• Managed cyclical activities relating to performance management, employee relationships, coaching, organisational development, workforce planning and learning & development.
• Management of 22 team members
• Lead the school’s value proposition in the local education landscape—growing enrolments, enhancing brand perception, and positioning the school as a leader in innovative Catholic education.
• Build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, goal-setting, and performance development—creating a culture of ownership, accountability, and excellence.

• Negotiate resources, manage budgets, and advocate for investment aligned to school priorities—ensuring return on investment through targeted improvement.
• Act as the face of the school—presenting vision and outcomes to system leaders, prospective families, and external stakeholders to promote confidence and long-term partnership.
• Execute change leadership and change management strategies—bringing others along through influence, clarity of purpose, and consistent communication.
• Adapt agile leadership to respond to dynamic challenges—balancing vision, operational delivery, and stakeholder needs in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment.

Achievements:

• Increased enrolments by 28% in a 4-year window, resulting in $300K+
• Increased standardised testing results by 21% in a 3-year window as a direct result of coaching other teachers and building their capacity.
• Established and interpreted core processes, including performance reviews and management, organisational planning, onboarding, and training.
• Introduced agile mindset, Kanban, Psychological Safety and Team Norms Standardised procurement and finance processes
• Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
• Led school-wide initiatives focused on increasing attendance rates.
• Promoted a culture of continuous improvement among staff through ongoing feedback, coaching, and goal-setting exercises.
• Analysed needs, established learning objectives and delivered training programs and other education and development services.

• Coached 44 school principals on school improvement – numeracy.
• Developed innovative strategies to address complex business challenges, resulting in increased enrollment numbers for schools.
• Delivered high-quality solutions for schools through comprehensive research and analysis of education trends.
• Presented findings and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, effectively communicating key insights and action plans.
• Provided recommendations for modification, development or improvement of educational programs.
• Streamlined administrative tasks by developing efficient record-keeping systems for tracking student progress and attendance.

• Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
• Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
• Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
• Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.

• Mentored new teachers, providing support and guidance that contributed to their professional growth.
• Adapted policies to ensure compliance with changing state education regulations, maintaining the school''s high standards of operation.
• Managed budgets and allocated funds effectively for various school programs and projects.
• Developed customised curriculums for diverse student populations, ensuring educational success for all students.