Executive Search for a Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School to foster an integrated, holistic approach to girls’ education
The Brief
Future Leadership™ partnered with this Melbourne based independent girls school to appoint a strong educational leader. This independent, Anglican school for girls catering for students from Early Learning Centre through to Year 12 emphasises a strong culture of learning and in addition to supporting the wellbeing of students, with an integrated curriculum that fosters friendships and peer support across Junior and Senior levels.
Future Leadership had an existing strong relationship with the school when they again sought support to appoint a strong educational leader to the position of Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School. Reporting directly to the Principal, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the position plays a vital role in leading and delivering initiatives to deliver on the strategic vision. It was critical that the appointee have a broad perspective across the entire school, working to strategise through indirect impact and influence. The position also holds responsibility for overall leadership of the Senior School.
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™ employed a rigorous and targeted recruitment strategy focussed on strong networks in the sector.
From work previously delivered, Future Leadership had an extensive network of known candidates and contacts in the Independent School sector, and over 50 targeted connections were made to identify appropriately qualified candidates. The search process was supported by an online advertising campaign.
Candidates were assessed on the basis of their demonstrable experience in a large school setting, along with their ability to bring ideas, imagination and innovation to the school. Key to success in the position would be an affinity and genuine interest in working in an environment that nurtures the development and growth of girls and their education
Emerging Capabilities
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Communicates and gains buy-in to organisational goals and vision, promoting change initiatives.
Culture and Engagement
Fosters a positive culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Creates an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and facilitates a psychologically safe environment.
Governance and Compliance
Establishes, champions, and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and reporting systems. Identifies and evaluates risks and develops strategies to mitigate risk.
Stakeholder Relations
Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative relationships. Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates them to support productive interactions.
Communication and Influence
Communicates with clarity and impact to facilitate individual and collective understanding, inspire action and enable information exchange. Leverages human-centric communication and storytelling to effectively influence stakeholders across the physical and virtual realms.
The Outcome
Future Leadership™ successfully appointed a highly capable leader who brought over eighteen years of educational experience.
The process included two rounds of panel interviews, with a school tour and candidate presentation in the second round, along with full 360 degree reference checking for the preferred candidate. The appointee is regarded as a natural leader, aspirational and someone who is able to build confidence and capability in staff.
I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance by Liz Jones, June Parker and Katherine Smith throughout the application and interview process for the Deputy Principal role. I learnt a great deal about myself during my time working with the team, and I greatly appreciate the care and encouragement I received. Indeed, there were times I felt like I had my own personal cheer squad!
As a School leader in the Independent School sector, I can say with great confidence, that Future Leadership’s knowledge of this sector is second to none. And having experienced both sides of the process with Future Leadership (as a candidate and as panel chair!) I can also attest to the high levels of professionalism and courtesy that they extend to all stakeholders, at all times.
Having only ever worked with Liz Jones, I'd say her point of difference is the intelligence, empathy and sophistication that she applies to her reading of culture and context.
