Executive Search

Interim and Executive Search Secures Key Leadership Roles for Growing Educational Institution

Date Posted:30 August 2024
Consultant:Liam King

Partnering across the entire Future Leadership business, advisory, interim and executive search

School (2)

The Brief

A rapidly growing educational organisation sought assistance in achieving its primary purpose as a leading school of excellence.

Recognising it was at a critical point in its growth journey to achieve its Principal purpose as a Christian school of Excellence, the Executive Principal and Board sought to partner initially with Future Leaderships advisory team to deliver:

  • A future ready leadership structure and composition for its mature model of education.
  • Determine the top six future capabilities for the School to support any future key appointments required.
  • Determine the opportunities for growth of the current leaders to support them in the future.

Following the successful completion of the independent organisational review by Future Leadership’s Advisory Team, the Principal of a leading educational organisation engaged the Future Leadership’s Interim and Executive Search team to support the delivery of the recommendations and partner in the search process for the following interim and permanent positions as a part of its strategy to enhance educational excellence and support its ongoing expansion:

  • Interim Director of People and Culture
  • Deputy Principal, Staff and Students
  • Head of People, Strategy and Culture
  • Director of Wellbeing and Student Services
  • Head of Campus – Primary

The organisation aimed to appoint leaders who could contribute to strategy development, drive continuous improvement, and ensure a strong cultural fit within the institution’s values and mission.

9.19.1

Candidate net Promote Score

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10,000+10,000+

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.

50.5%50.5%

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.

98%98%

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

Advisory

The Advisory team in conjunction with Jenny Ethell, Education Advisor were engaged by the School to undertake the following:

  • Briefings and opportunities to understand current state and emerging conditions and future capabilities required.
  • Review of relevant materials and research in relation to current and future strategy and structures
  • Workshops with the current school leadership team to understand blockages, opportunities and future capabilities including completing EL Assessments to understand current capabilities and opportunities for future growth as well as team capability
  • Creation and exploration of possible future organisational and leadership structures and associated benefits, risks and opportunities. Transition plans for implementation were developed for each option
  • Development of future Capability Matrix and mapping this to leadership roles and capabilities required for future talent acquisition
  • Presentation and delivery of final report to the  Executive Principal and Board for discussion and finalisation. Once finalised Leadership roles were defined and position descriptions were created for each.

Interim

With tight timelines in place, the interim team screened our extensive ecosystem, conducted a rapid search, and quickly produced an assessed short list of candidates with proven success in people and culture roles specialising in strategy, risk management and were culturally aligned to the values of the School.

The selected Interim Executive had recently concluded an interim assignment at a prominent boys’ school and brought over two decades of experience spanning professional services, local governance, and independent educational institutions. This wealth of expertise equipped them to strategically advise on people-focused strategies, ensuring operational effectiveness during a crucial phase.

Executive Search

In preparation for the recruitment of the four positions, the Future Leadership team completed multiple briefings with various representatives from a leading educational organisation.

It was identified that the ideal candidates would demonstrate a strong cultural fit and the appropriate gravitas to engage all stakeholders. In conjunction with other members of the Executive, each of the positions will play a role in developing strategy and driving continuous improvement to support the organisation’s goal of being a school of excellence. A comprehensive search strategy was outlined to the leadership team that combined active approaches within known networks with an online advertising campaign. The Future Leadership team managed all aspects of the process, providing support and guidance to the leadership team. The search process for all positions was underpinned by the Future Leadership Capability Framework (FLCF), with shortlisted candidates completing psychometric testing measured against six capabilities.

 

Emerging Capabilities

01.

Educational Leadership

Guiding and managing educational institutions with a focus on strategic development, academic excellence, and fostering a positive learning environment for students and staff.

02.

Strategic Planning

Developing and implementing long-term strategies that align with the organisation’s goals, ensuring sustainable growth and the effective delivery of educational services.

03.

People, Strategy, and Culture Management

Overseeing the integration of people strategies with organisational culture to drive employee engagement, development, and overall organisational effectiveness.

04.

Wellbeing and Student Services Management

Leading initiatives that support the holistic wellbeing of students, including their social, emotional, and physical development, while ensuring the provision of comprehensive student services.

05.

Change Management

Facilitating and managing organisational change, particularly during periods of growth and transformation, to ensure smooth transitions and the continued alignment of the organisation’s mission and values.

The Outcome

Advisory

the School adopted the recommended structure and capability matrix for future appointments. The School has commenced the transition to its future ready leadership structure and partnered with Future Leadership to assist with some key appointments. The Advisory team continues to support the School in this transition process.

Interim

The Interim Executive commenced within three weeks of the client briefing.

Presently engaged for an initial six-month tenure, their impact on the organisation has been immediate and highly commendable, eliciting excellent feedback from the client.

Executive Search

Several key leadership positions were successfully filled, including:

  • The appointed candidate assumed the position of Deputy Principal, Staff and Students at a leading educational organisation, commencing on 15th April 2024. In this role, they are enacting the Nurturing Wellbeing strategic pillar, overseeing student and staff wellbeing services, organisation-wide co-curricular opportunities, and staff growth and development.
  • A new Head of People, Strategy, and Culture was appointed and will begin in Term 2 of 2024. In this newly created role, they will contribute to shaping the organisational structure and culture of the educational institution. Most recently serving as a Chief People Officer at a city council, the appointee brings over 20 years’ experience providing advice in all areas of workplace relations.
  • Another appointee was selected as the Head of Campus – Primary and will commence in May 2024. Currently acting in the position, they will provide strategic operational and cultural leadership for the primary campus and manage the day-to-day operations of learning, wellbeing, and student services. As a passionate educator and dynamic leader, they look forward to continuing to contribute to the success and vision of the institution.
  • Additionally, a new Director of Wellbeing and Student Services was appointed and will commence in Term 3 of 2024. In this role, they will be responsible for implementing the organisation’s strategy and primary purpose of providing an education of excellence. With pastoral care and wellbeing being integral to the institution’s environment, this role will focus on fostering and driving initiatives and programs that positively impact and proactively address the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual wellbeing of students, staff, and families. Most recently, the appointee served as Head of Students at another educational institution and brought over 30 years’ experience as a passionate educational leader, believing that when students are placed at the centre of education, wondrous and lasting progress is achieved.

The search process was highly successful, resulting in the appointment of leaders who are well-positioned to support the organisation’s mission of providing a Christian education of excellence.

Consultant

Liam King

Senior Partner, Executive Search View Profile
Client Testimonial:

My experience with Future Leadership was one based on transparency, open communication, and utmost professionalism. The search process was smooth and timely, with thoughtful and diligent management throughout.

Newly Appointed Director of Wellbeing and Student Services Educational Organisation
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