- Contemporary finance and business leadership
- Experience in a high-performance culture
- Critical role within a globally recognised School
The Position
Barker College is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to provide visionary leadership and drive strategic transformation across the School.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key strategic enabler within the School, working in close partnership with the Head of Barker College, the Council of Barker College, and the School Executive to advance the School’s vision and long-term objectives. Reporting to the Head of Barker College, the COO is responsible for enabling the School’s strategic direction by developing and sustaining initiatives that achieve best practice in business management within an educational context, managing and implementing a substantial property development program, and identifying and cultivating new opportunities for the School’s continued advancement.
This role is instrumental in enabling and executing the School’s Master Plan, which includes but is not limited to driving innovation in STEM and Robotics education, overseeing properties and future development, including the Aquatic Centre and Recital Hall, which were articulated in the successful State Significant Development Application 2024, and advancing the School’s endowment. The COO also enables the progression of Indigenous and Humanitarian Education initiatives and explores future possibilities to ensure Barker’s ongoing leadership and impact.
Leading key Professional Services teams (circa 70 staff), the COO inspires confidence, enthusiasm, and commitment to the School’s success, ensuring alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Values. The COO maintains a performance-driven culture and operational excellence, ensuring that systems and procedures necessary for the smooth operation of the School are robust, effective and regularly evaluated.
The COO is accountable for ensuring all activities meet the highest standards of fiduciary governance, compliance, and acquittal, in accordance with Council and regulatory requirements, and provides governance reporting to the Council of Barker College, as well as the Chair of Council, relevant Chairs and members of Council committees.
Of significant importance, the COO serves as an effective ambassador for the School, upholding and contributing to the School’s Anglican identity, subscribing to its Christian ethos, and actively supporting the Christian life of the School.
The Organisation
Barker College is a fully coeducational Anglican school located in Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia, offering education from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12, with boarding available for students in Years 10 to 12.
Established in 1890 and owned by the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church of Australia since 1919, Barker is committed to a holistic approach to education that nurtures emotional, physical, academic, and spiritual development. The school’s mission, encapsulated in its motto Honor Non Honores (“Seek honour above rewards”), reflects its dedication to instilling Christian values and fostering resilience, adaptability, and a global outlook in its students.
With a strong emphasis on preparing young people for life beyond the school gates, Barker provides a diverse range of opportunities and experiences within a supportive and inclusive environment, empowering students to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
To apply – click ‘Apply Now’, using reference BARcoo1025, addressing your cover letter and resume to Liam King and Kirsti Hitz-Morton, of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.
