Strategic executive search to appoint an exceptional and inspirational leader to champion excellence in education.
The Brief
The Head of Campus at the primary campus of this leading independent school became available due to the resignation of the incumbent. The Principal, approached Future Leadership to support the school to appoint the Head of Campus on the basis of his prior experience working with Liz Jones at another prestigious school both as a candidate and a client. The Head of Campus is a key role responsible for the educational leadership and management of the campus which comprises approximately 1600 students from ELC to Year 12 along with approximately 300 staff. A critical component of the position is to drive an ongoing commitment to offering an outstanding education within a diverse learning environment.
The school sought a Head of Campus with strong influencing skills along with the ability to question and manage change. The appointee would need to bring the staff team together, and with all the Heads of School being new to their positions at the time of this appointment the challenge would be to lift performance across the board. Key to success in the position would be the ability to build and develop the professional capacity of all staff with the goal of ongoing improvement in student learning outcomes. Adopting a framework of continuous improvement, the ideal Head would display high energy and strong influencing skills in addition to an advanced level of analytical and strategic thinking. Critically the appointee would actively support the College’s holistic approach to learning and display a genuine desire to be part of a progressive and thriving community.
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
The search process was led by the Managing Partner from the independent school practice, supported by a dedicated research consultant and administration support resource.
Future Leadership conducted a national search, utilising our broad candidate and referral partner networks to identify highly qualified candidates. In assessing potential candidates the Future Leadership team sought to identify a driven and ambitious up and comer in the school sector, with the position providing a career steppingstone to future Principal positions. The search extended across Australia, in addition to engaging with suitable expatriate candidates wishing to return to Australia. The search was supported by a print and online advertising campaign, which not only extended the reach of the search but also provided an additional platform to profile the school.
The Selection Panel considered an initial list of seven external and two internal candidates, with six candidates chosen for an initial interview, including one internal. A second round panel saw three candidates progress to present to the panel on their interpretation of and initiatives for a selection of strategic priorities from the school’s strategic plan. These candidates also completed psychometric assessments, with written reports providing the selection panel with additional data points and information on which to base their decision. Future Leadership conducted thorough, 360-degree referencing for the preferred candidate.
Emerging Capabilities
Curriculum
Designing and implementing educational programs and course structures that align with academic standards and meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Education Management
Overseeing the administration and leadership of educational institutions or programs, including managing staff, resources, and policies to create an effective and supportive learning environment.
Middle School
Expertise in managing and leading middle school education, focusing on the unique developmental needs of students in this age group, including academic, social, and emotional support.
Educational Leadership
Demonstrating strong leadership within an educational setting, including setting strategic direction, managing staff, fostering a positive learning environment, and ensuring the effective delivery of educational programs.
Curriculum Assessment
Proficiency in evaluating and assessing curriculum effectiveness, ensuring that educational programs meet academic standards and cater to the diverse learning needs of students, while also driving continuous improvement in teaching practices.
The Outcome
The successful appointee demonstrated an extensive educational career focused in the teaching, learning and wellbeing domains with nearly twenty years of senior leadership experience. Wesley was keen to capitalise on the appointee’s experience overseeing the Faculty Heads and Teaching and Learning teams at their prior school, with the remit extending across the planning, design, implementation and delivery of curriculum, assessment and reporting.
The selection panel were impressed with the engagement of the appointee, and recognised that they were well regarded as being highly innovative and willing to push the boundaries with pedagogy. Having led across various sectors and educational settings, the appointee was able to demonstrate to the panel their ability to inspire excellence and drive positive change.
