The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a distinguished coeducational school to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following a period of significant strategic transformation. The assignment was led by Senior Partner Liam King and Associate Partner Kirsti Hitz-Morton. The COO role was designed to bridge finance and operations, drive strategic advancement, and support the school’s vision for growth and innovation.
A comprehensive briefing and a series of stakeholder meetings were conducted with the school’s executive, business services, and council teams. The discovery process focused on identifying what was working well, current challenges, future opportunities, and the desired qualities and leadership style for the incoming COO. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of maintaining strong governance, operational efficiency, and a culture of trust and autonomy. The outgoing COO’s corporate experience had brought fresh perspectives, improved crisis management, and enhanced financial and operational processes.
The school was well-positioned for evolutionary change, seeking a leader who could build on established foundations while introducing innovative approaches. Opportunities included deeper integration of operations and finance, development of new facilities, property acquisitions, and expansion into new geographic areas. The school encouraged risk-taking, innovation, and the refinement of systems to support future growth.
The ideal COO was envisioned as an executive leader with emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and financial acumen. Key attributes included strategic visionary leadership, commitment to social impact, operational and financial expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and the ability to foster collaboration and community. Alignment with the school’s values and mission, with a focus on continuity and growth, was essential.
The Process
Future Leadership™ executed a national and highly confidential executive search for the Chief Operating Officer role, led by Senior Partner Liam King and Associate Partner Kirsti Hitz-Morton. The process began with a comprehensive briefing and stakeholder engagement, including meetings with the executive team, business services, and council members to define the role’s scope, strategic priorities, and desired candidate attributes.
A tailored recruitment strategy was developed, leveraging Future Leadership’s proprietary databases, sector networks, and targeted advertising across platforms such as Seek.com.au, LinkedIn, and the Future Leadership™ website. Both internal and external candidates were considered, with all applicants assessed against a robust capability framework that included commercial acumen, strategic thinking, stakeholder relations, and systems thinking.
The selection process involved multiple rounds of interviews, psychometric assessments, and thorough reference and probity checks. Internal candidates were interviewed and assessed against the same criteria as external applicants. The remuneration package was benchmarked to attract high-calibre candidates, ensuring a competitive and appealing offer.
Throughout the process, regular progress reports were provided, and the selection committee was engaged in shortlisting, interviewing, and final candidate negotiations. The rigorous and collaborative approach ensured the organisation had access to a shortlist of highly accomplished candidates, culminating in the appointment of an experienced leader with a proven track record in education leadership, strategy, and operational management.
The Outcome
The executive search culminated in the appointment of an accomplished professional with extensive experience in education leadership, strategy, and operational management. The new Chief Operating Officer brings a proven track record of driving innovation, financial stewardship, and sector-wide best practice. Their leadership is expected to strengthen the school’s operational capability, enhance stakeholder engagement, and support the ongoing delivery of the school’s strategic vision.
The successful appointee’s expertise in integrating operations and finance, leading capital development projects, and fostering a culture of collaboration and trust positions the school for continued growth and excellence. With a strategic vision and commitment to the school’s values, the new COO is well-placed to guide the organisation through future opportunities and challenges, ensuring it remains a thriving, future-focused educational community.
