Conducting an executive search for an innovative and aspirational CEO with the ability to think creatively and and offer excellence in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
The Brief
In November 2023, the Board Chair of a prominent education governance organisation approached Liz Jones from Future Leadership™ to lead the search for their next Chief Executive Officer. The Board were seeking to appoint an aspirational and innovative CEO with the ability to think creatively.
The mission of the organisation is to provide governance for its member colleges, supporting the colleges to offer excellence in contemporary education in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, enriched by the Gospels and faithful to its foundational legacy.
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 Future Leadership™ team met with the Board of a prominent education governance organisation to ascertain the nuances and scope of the position and the desired characteristics of the appointee. Further valuable information was obtained through one-on-one meetings with 13 Principals and the team from their National Office.
The search process was supported by a digital advertising campaign, and targeted approaches were made to known candidates. Additionally, referrals were sought from trusted advisors and advocates within the Future Leadership™ network.
A shortlist of five candidates completed full psychometric assessments and were presented to the Board for consideration, with five candidates progressing to first-round panel interviews. Two candidates progressed to the second-round panel, providing a twenty-minute presentation to the Selection Committee.
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
A highly experienced leader has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer at a prominent education governance organisation, commencing in June 2024.
In this position, the appointee will work closely with the Board to establish the future direction and strategic plan for the organisation. Underpinned by values of justice, compassion, hospitality, service, respect, and courage, the appointee will continue their commitment to faith leadership in service of principals, schools, and young people.
The role encompasses providing educational, cultural, strategic, financial, and organisational leadership to drive the growth and sustainability of the organisation while offering strength, support, and solidarity to member schools.
Most recently serving as General Manager, Leadership Development at a prominent Catholic education provider, the appointee brings over 25 years of leadership experience in education.
Future Leadership provided a rigorous process, highlighted by clear and regular communication. I am grateful to Liz and her team for their support and guidance. Building on the work of the outgoing CEO, I am humbled by the opportunity and ready to serve the strategic direction of the organisation and continue the legacy and charism of Catherine McAuley, a woman of her time, with a passion for social justice and an extraordinary vision for educating young people and an outreach to the poor.
