The appointment of a new Executive Director represented a rare and pivotal opportunity to shape the future of Catholic education at a national level. This critical role called for a visionary leader—someone capable of advancing the mission of Catholic education, amplifying its national voice, and guiding the development of education policy that upholds Catholic values, promotes equity and access, and drives excellence in teaching and learning across Australia.
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged to lead a comprehensive and highly confidential executive search, leveraging its deep sector expertise and extensive national network. The process commenced with an in-depth briefing session and targeted stakeholder consultations, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the organisation’s strategic priorities, cultural context, and the unique requirements of the Executive Director role. This collaborative approach enabled the development of a tailored candidate profile and a clear articulation of the leadership qualities, experience, and values sought for the position.
The search strategy was multi-faceted and designed to reach the broadest and most relevant pool of talent. Future Leadership deployed a combination of targeted advertising across national and sector-specific platforms—including major newspapers, education sector job boards, and digital channels—to maximise visibility among prospective candidates. In parallel, the team utilised proprietary databases, in-house research, and trusted referral networks to identify and approach high-calibre individuals with proven experience in education, government, and related fields. This proactive outreach ensured that both active and passive candidates were considered, including those not currently seeking new opportunities but whose expertise and alignment with the organisation’s mission made them ideal prospects.
Throughout the search, Future Leadership maintained strict confidentiality and professionalism, managing all candidate communications and engagement with sensitivity. Regular progress reports and transparent updates were provided to the selection committee, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making at every stage. This rigorous and collaborative process culminated in the identification and appointment of a leader with the vision, credibility, and expertise to advance the organisation’s strategic agenda and drive positive impact across the Catholic education sector.
The Process
The selection criteria for the Executive Director role were meticulously crafted to ensure the appointment of a leader capable of driving the organisation’s strategic agenda at a national level. Candidates were evaluated on their ability to provide visionary strategic leadership, shape and advocate for policy development, and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement across a diverse and complex educational landscape. Organisational management skills were essential, with an emphasis on building and sustaining a high-performing, values-driven team. A demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and sustainability was also paramount, reflecting the organisation’s mission to provide equitable access and opportunity for all students.
Assessment was anchored in a robust capability framework, which included gravitas—the presence and credibility to represent Catholic education nationally—and political acumen, enabling effective navigation of government relations and policy environments. Relationship management was a cornerstone, requiring candidates to cultivate trust and collaboration among Church authorities, government officials, school leaders, and parent communities. Personal alignment with the mission and values of Catholic education was non-negotiable, ensuring the appointed leader would embody the organisation’s ethos and inspire confidence across all stakeholder groups.
Throughout the search process, Future Leadership facilitated targeted stakeholder meetings to gain deep insights into the organisation’s priorities and culture. A comprehensive advertising campaign was launched across national and sector-specific platforms, ensuring broad visibility and attracting a diverse pool of high-calibre candidates. Candidate communications were managed with professionalism and confidentiality, and regular progress reports kept the selection committee informed at every stage.
The process culminated in a rigorous multi-stage assessment and interview sequence, incorporating behavioural and capability-based evaluations aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. This thorough approach ensured that the appointed Executive Director possessed not only the vision and expertise required for the role, but also the credibility and leadership qualities necessary to unite stakeholders and advance the future of Catholic education in Australia.
The Outcome
The successful appointment of the Executive Director represented a pivotal milestone for Catholic education in Australia, signalling a renewed commitment to visionary leadership and sector-wide collaboration. The newly appointed leader brings a distinguished track record of strategic insight, having demonstrated the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges in education policy, funding, and governance. Their experience spans complex organisational environments, where they have consistently fostered innovation, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
A hallmark of the new Executive Director’s leadership is a collaborative approach—building bridges across diverse stakeholder groups, from government and Church authorities to school leaders, educators, and parent communities. This capacity to unite and inspire others is underpinned by a deep personal commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education, ensuring that every decision is guided by a focus on equity, access, and the holistic development of students.
With exceptional skills in advocacy and stakeholder engagement, the Executive Director is uniquely positioned to influence national policy, secure sustainable funding, and strengthen partnerships that benefit the entire Catholic education community. Their appointment is expected to drive positive change, enhance the sector’s national voice, and deliver lasting impact for students, families, and educators across the country.
This milestone not only marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation, but also reinforces its role as a leading authority in shaping the future of education in Australia.
