Delivering an Executive Search to Appoint a Strategic Leader for a Sector-Leading Early Childhood Organisation.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a not-for-profit early childhood organisation in Victoria to appoint an Executive Manager, Early Learning. The organisation, with a legacy of sector leadership and innovation, sought a values-aligned executive to lead its multiple early learning services and contribute to its broader strategic goals.
The appointment was critical to continuing the organisation’s tradition of exceptional quality, embedding contemporary early childhood practice, and strengthening sector leadership. The role required a leader with deep strategic acumen, stakeholder engagement capability, and a commitment to inclusive, evidence-informed practice.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s needs.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with the CEO and Board to understand the strategic priorities and leadership expectations.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged sector networks and multi-channel advertising to attract candidates with diverse leadership backgrounds.
- Candidate Assessment: Shortlisted candidates underwent rigorous evaluation including competency mapping, stakeholder interviews, and values alignment screening.
Final Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates presented their strategic vision and leadership approach to the Executive Team and Board. Four candidates progressed to first round interviews, following that, two candidates progressed to second round interviews.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of a senior executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across public health, education, and child development. The successful candidate brought a unique perspective shaped by a career in allied health and systems reform, with a strong track record in workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and trauma-informed service design.
Their appointment will enable the organisation to strengthen its strategic capability, deepen its sector partnerships, and continue delivering high-quality outcomes for children, families, and communities.
