Director of Community Development

• Join the Executive Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping the School’s future success.
• Champion and elevate the CGS brand, positioning it both on the national and global stage.
• Inspire meaningful community engagement, building powerful connections with students, families, staff and alumni.

About the Role

Join one of Australia’s leading independent schools at a pivotal moment in its history. Canberra Grammar School seeks an outstanding leader to serve as Director of Community Development, overseeing  a high-performing team across marketing and communications, admissions, events, alumni relations, philanthropy, and archives.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director will:

• Shape the School’s public identity and reputation in Canberra, across Australia and on the international stage
• Lead strategic initiatives to grow enrolment, engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Deliver inspiring, high-profile events, including Centenary celebrations, that capture imagination, pride and participation.
• Strengthen and expand connections with parents, alumni, donors, and partners, building a vibrant and supportive community

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary communicator, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader to make a lasting mark on a dynamic, mission driven school community at a moment of extraordinary significance.About You

You are dedicated, passionate and possess the following:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven track record of strategic leadership in one or more relevant domains, such as marketing, admissions, philanthropy, alumni relations, or events, in a complex organisation
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams across multiple disciplines
• Experience in developing and implementing integrated strategies that enhance reputation, enrolment, engagement, and philanthropic support
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and partnership development
• Demonstrated capacity for financial planning, budgeting, and operational oversight at a senior level.

Personal Qualities:

• Strategic and visionary thinker who can translate ambition into action
• Inclusive, collaborative leader who builds trust and inspires confidence
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate change and complexity with composure
• Highly organised, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines
• Creative and innovative in approach to engagement, communications, and problem-solving
• Culturally aware and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Professional Requirements and Obligations:

• Compliance with all relevant child protection legislation and School policies
• Willingness to work outside standard hours, including evenings and weekends, for events and functions
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and participation in relevant industry networks.

Desirable Attributes:

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline
• Leadership experience in the independent education sector or a similarly complex educational environment
• Familiarity with professional networks such as CASE, Educate Plus, or equivalent
• Experience in leading major campaigns, events, or centenary/anniversary initiatives.

All team members at CGS are required to have:

• Appropriate qualifications
• A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card
• A current National Police Check; and
• Full working rights within Australia.

Benefits for you

As a CGS team member, you have access to a range of additional benefits, including:

• Staff awards program and generous professional development funding
• Attractive salary packaging arrangements
• Complimentary daily barista-made coffee
• Delicious daily morning tea and discounted lunches
• Access to the on-site health clinic and annual influenza vaccinations
• 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave (for permanent team members)
• School fee concessions (for permanent team members)
• Onsite parking

Working at CGS

Weprovide a vibrant and rewarding workplace that showcases your skills with a strong commitment to your professional learning. Working at Canberra Grammar School you will join a community committed to delivering the highest standard of education, inspiring students to achieve personal excellence within a warm and inclusive environment.

We are continuously growing our CGS community with people who are passionate and energetic in their profession and who place student learning and well-being at the forefront of all they do.

How to Apply

Please visit cgs.act.edu.au/careers/ to access the position description and submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
• Resume/CV

CGS is proud to be a School that takes child protection very seriously. All candidates for roles at Canberra Grammar School are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards as part of our thorough recruitment process.

An early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.