Principal, Lihir International School

Your Impact

As the Principal, Lihir International School, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across both School to Mine and Lihir International School, ensuring the delivery of high-quality learning outcomes and a safe, inclusive environment for students and staff. You will play a key role in shaping educational programs, leading school operations, and fostering strong partnerships with parents, community stakeholders and Newmont to support student success and future pathways.

As Part of Our Team, You Will

• Lead the day-to-day operations, strategic direction and overall performance of Lihir International School and the School to Mine Campus.
• Provide leadership, coaching and performance management to teaching and non-teaching staff, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Oversee curriculum development, implementation and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality educational outcomes and successful student pathways.
• Manage school budgets, facilities, contractors, technology resources and administrative functions to ensure effective and sustainable operations.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, the School Council, community stakeholders and local schools to support student wellbeing and educational success.
• Organise and lead school and community events and meetings, including School Council meetings, special school events, awards evenings, graduations, cultural celebrations, school productions and assemblies.
• Manage health, safety and environmental risks across the School to Mine Campus and Lihir International School, including risk identification, mitigation planning, incident investigation and reporting.
• Communicate effectively through school newsletters and engagement activities, working closely with parent groups and supporting community initiatives.
• Support local community schools through partnership activities, mentoring opportunities and the development of local teachers and school leaders.
• Promote responsible stewardship of school resources while supporting fundraising initiatives and community use of school facilities.

Prerequisites for Success in This Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Education with current teacher registration.
• Substantial Experience in school leadership, administration or a comparable educational leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Australian and PNG Curriculum, learning methodologies and educational best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams, building inclusive cultures and driving positive educational outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, make informed decisions and continuously improve student programs and outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with students, parents, staff, School Councils and community stakeholders.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to leverage technology to support educational and operational outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a commitment to health, safety and educational excellence.
  
  

Your Work Environment

Reporting to the Director of People, Lihir HR, you will lead a team across the School to Mine Campus and Lihir International School. You will work closely with teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents, the LIS School Council, Newmont leaders, Education Queensland International (EQI), the Department of Education International (DEi), local schools and community stakeholders to support educational excellence and student outcomes.

This role is offered on a 2-year fixed-term, full-time basis and operates on a residential 5:2 roster, working 10-hour days, based in Newmont’s Lihir townsite community, a gated precinct based on the coastline cliff with magnificent ocean views.

The townsite has Company provided housing (inc. utilities), international school (up to and including Year 10) and a range of recreational facilities including gym, sports club with restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and playground areas for the kids. There is also a 9-hole golf course on the island! Healthcare services are provided at the Lihir Medical Clinic.

An onsite deli and café provide access to fresh local and imported produce including grocery items, as well as barista-made coffees and freshly baked cakes. The company offers regular shipment of groceries and care packages for townsite residents to access goods not available on the island.

The Lihir fishing and boating clubs offer the opportunity to get out and enjoy the pristine waters and beaches around the island on the weekends.

A generous relocation package is provided to ensure smooth integration for you (and your family) to settle into island life. You will also be eligible for medical insurance cover, annual flights home and schooling for eligible dependents. Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary package and bonus scheme.

Why Join Newmont

Lihir is one of the world's largest producing gold mines and one of Newmont's most significant operations.

Working at Lihir means joining a high-performing team committed to safety, operational excellence and delivering sustainable value for our people, communities and business.

Eligible employees may benefit from:

• Competitive salary and annual performance incentive opportunities.
• Access to health, wellbeing and employee assistance programs.
• Ongoing learning, technical development and leadership training opportunities.
• Exposure to large-scale mining operations and industry-leading technologies.
• Career opportunities across Newmont's Australian, Papua New Guinean and global operations.
• The opportunity to be part of a workplace where safety, inclusion and growth are at the centre of everything we do.