Conducting an Executive Search for Principal role to Enhance Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence in a Leading Catholic College
The Brief
A prominent Catholic Girls’ School partnered with Future Leadership™ to appoint a Principal to shape the school’s future direction.
The incoming Principal will be responsible for building strong relationships and supporting the College’s aspirations as a leading Catholic school for girls in Queensland. The role requires a deep understanding of Catholicism and a commitment to the founding religious tradition, which emphasises social justice. The ideal candidate will have experience in girls’ education, exceptional interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the capacity to manage complex and evolving issues. The Principal was tasked with enhancing community engagement, promoting teaching and learning innovation, and strengthening stakeholder relationships. The Deputy Principal was expected to oversee day-to-day school operations, including welfare, campus administration, and the effective delivery of learning programs.
The Process
Led by Liam King, the Future Leadership™ Executive Search team undertook a comprehensive search to recruit a Principal.
To gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the school, Liam King, met with members of the governing body, school leadership, staff, parent representatives, the succession planning committee, and students during an onsite visit.
The search focused on:
- Identifying experienced leaders from independent schools across Australia, as well as from related educational institutions and networks.
- Drawing on established candidate databases and referral networks, the recruitment team engaged with over 100 individuals to seek recommendations or expressions of interest.
- Launched a targeted print and online advertising campaign to maximise outreach.
Liam King provided strategic support to the governing body through participation in panel interviews, comprehensive reference checks, and guidance during the offer and placement of the successful candidate.
The Outcome
The Selection Panel appointed an exceptional Principal with extensive experience in girls’ Education.
This individual’s previous achievements in elevating academic outcomes and fostering excellence positioned them as an exceptional leader for the School.
The successful candidate will continue to build upon her established relationships with all stakeholders across the community.
