Drive strategic impact to help Australian children thrive through equitable access to quality education.
- Transform educational equity at a national scale
- Foster a high-performing, mission-driven and values-aligned team
- Shape strategy in a growing, innovative NFP
The organisation
Australian Schools Plus (Schools Plus) is a national not-for-profit that exists to close the education gap caused by disadvantage. Their mission is to empower children facing barriers to success by enabling schools to access philanthropic support, capability building, and innovative partnerships. Since inception, they have directed over $80 million in funding to hundreds of schools, fostering improved learning outcomes and opportunities for students across the country.
Now entering its second decade, the organisation has launched an ambitious new strategy focused on systems-level impact and deeper collaboration with government, school leaders, and sector decision-makers. With a clear sense of purpose and a committed team, Schools Plus is building bold momentum for large-scale, long-term change.
The role
The Director of Education is a key member of the executive team, responsible for shaping and delivering the strategic direction of Schools Plus’ national education programs and partnerships. The role leads a growing team to design, implement and continuously refine high-impact initiatives that improve outcomes for students in disadvantaged schools, while strengthening engagement across the education and philanthropic sectors. With a strong external focus, the Director builds and sustains relationships with government, school leaders, and key stakeholders, contributes to organisational strategy, and ensures robust evaluation and insights frameworks that demonstrate and amplify impact.
This leader will bring deep education expertise combined with strategic leadership capability and a track record of working across systems, partnerships or non-school environments. They will be a highly credible and emotionally intelligent leader, able to engage and influence senior stakeholders, lead and develop teams, and operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels. Experience in designing and delivering impactful programs, embedding evaluation frameworks, and navigating complex stakeholder environments will be essential, alongside strong communication skills, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to advancing equity in education.
To apply
People for Purpose is partnering with Schools Plus to lead the search for this role.
- We invite you to read the position description (https://shorturl.at/nskG0). To review Schools Plus’ annual reports and financial statements, please visit their website and ACNC profile.
- Once you have absorbed this information and completed your own research, if you have specific questions, please call us on 0468 625 252 or email [email protected]
- Your application will include your CV, as well as a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align to this opportunity and why you are interested in joining Schools Plus. A considered cover letter will be an important part of your application.
Applications close at 11:00am on Monday, 4 May 2026.