Delivering an Executive Search to Appoint a Strategic Education Leader for a Statutory Authority in New South Wales
The Brief
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s strategic and operational needs. The approach was designed to identify a leader capable of driving educational reform in a politically complex and multi-sector environment.
Key steps included:
Briefing and Strategy Development
Detailed briefings were conducted with the Chair and other key stakeholders to understand the strategic priorities of the role, the organisational culture, and the broader policy context. These conversations informed the search strategy and candidate profile.
Targeted Candidate Search
An online advertising campaign was launched across platforms including Seek and The Conversation to attract interest from a broad and diverse pool of candidates. This was complemented by targeted outreach to individuals with relevant experience in curriculum, assessment, and education leadership.
Candidate Mapping and Outreach
Extensive research and mapping were undertaken to identify leaders in curriculum and assessment both within Australia and internationally. Recommendations were also sought from senior stakeholders in departments of education and related statutory authorities. Individuals across these networks were engaged in dialogue to gather advice and identify potential candidates.
Engagement and Evaluation
Potential candidates were encouraged to apply and were interviewed by Future Leadership consultants to assess their alignment with the role’s requirements and the organisation’s culture. This included evaluating their experience in education policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership.
Final Evaluation
From a longlist of six candidates—including individuals from Australian state departments and Europe—four were shortlisted for interview. The final interview panel comprised senior members of the NSW public service and representatives from the Catholic and independent school sectors. Each candidate was assessed on their ability to lead system-wide reform and represent the organisation at the highest levels.
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 Public Sector Commissioner and key stakeholders to understand the strategic priorities, operating environment, and desired capabilities for the role.
- Search Strategy and Capability Mapping: Delivered a Search Strategy document outlining contextual insights, selected capabilities from the Future Leadership Capability Framework, and a full project timeline.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Activated referral networks and outreach to over 60 qualified contacts, supported by a print and online media campaign across Jobs WA, LinkedIn, and the West Australian.
- Candidate Assessment: All internal candidates were assessed against selection criteria, with shortlisted candidates undergoing psychometric assessments and panel interviews.
- Final Evaluation and Appointment Support: Conducted reference checks and supported contract negotiation with the successful candidate.
Emerging Capabilities
Resilience and Courage
Demonstrates persistence and composure in the face of complex challenges, fostering open debate and making tough decisions while maintaining emotional control and stability.
Effective Communication
Articulates complex concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, promoting the organisation’s position with credibility across government and external sectors.
Collaboration
Builds a culture of cross-sector collaboration, actively engaging stakeholders to develop integrated solutions and overcome barriers to cooperation.
Delivers Outcomes
Drives a culture of achievement by aligning staff efforts with organisational outcomes, removing obstacles to success, and setting high-level priorities to meet government objectives.
People Management and Development
Implements performance development frameworks and succession planning, fostering a culture of continuous learning and leadership across the organisation.
The Outcome
The search process culminated in the appointment of a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer with a strong track record in improving educational outcomes and lifting standards across diverse school sectors. The successful candidate demonstrated extensive knowledge of the Australian education system, with deep expertise in curriculum, assessment, and reporting.
Their leadership style was collaborative, with proven success in engaging stakeholders across complex and politically sensitive environments. The candidate also brought high-level communication skills and the ability to represent the organisation effectively in public and media settings.
Importantly, the candidate had the capacity to develop and implement a contemporary, future-focused change agenda aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals. With over 15 years of experience in teacher accreditation and policy development at both state and Commonwealth levels, the appointment positioned the organisation to advance its mission of improving student achievement through high-quality syllabuses, teaching standards, and school environments.
