A school is built on the strength of its people. Great people make great schools.
It’s that simple. And we stand by this. People create culture. At Ivanhoe Grammar School, our people create a culture of belonging. A place where ideas are heard and supported. Where you are encouraged to try something new. A place to feel included and valued.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is a values-driven, coeducational independent school with a commitment to fostering a community where students, teachers and professional services staff can continually become the best version of themselves.
Our purpose is to develop young people of character. Good people, who contribute to the common good and give their best to everything they do.
Young people with moral, civic and performance character. Young people who strive to be Ivanhoe Learners – courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate.
The principles underpinning our purpose are those of learning excellence, personal growth, global citizenship, digital transformation and having a futures focus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are always looking for great people to join our team. We are always seeking people who are energetic, collaborative and courageous.
Where we have come from
We look back to look forward.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School we have a long history. A school of 110 years. In this time over 11,000 students have graduated to become a tight-knit community of alumni.
We have a culture of heritage. We are very proud of our students and alumni, and the staff who have walked alongside every one of them during their journey here. A journey, which for many, began at our Early Learning Centre when they were three-years-old. With many highlights throughout the years leading to the special moment of standing proudly on stage as they are celebrated by our community at graduation.
We have a culture of innovation. We have a strong foundation established over the passage of time and we courageously seek to continually improve. We have grown into one school with four campuses, located in Ivanhoe, Doreen and Macleod. We have a beautifully diverse community, and we respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the land our School is built on, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
Our programs over this time have evolved and grown. We offer a global education stream, unique to our School. Our Year 9 experience at University Campus, a year-long hybrid university-school experience through a partnership with La Trobe University is unmatched.
Our academic program at all year levels is extensive and expansive. We strongly believe in the interrelationship between character and academic achievement. Our people foster a culture of a love of learning, self motivation and integrity.
We have a long-standing commitment to our co-curricular program. We view the ongoing delivery and growth of our co-curricular offerings as critical to delivering our purpose. The link between character with art, service, leadership and sport, inarguable.
Who we are
A school is built on the strength of its people. Great people make great schools.
It’s that simple. And we stand by this. People create culture. At Ivanhoe Grammar School, our people create a culture of belonging. A place where ideas are heard and supported. Where you are encouraged to try something new. A place to feel included and valued.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is a values-driven, coeducational independent school with a commitment to fostering a community where students, teachers and professional services staff can continually become the best version of themselves.
Our purpose is to develop young people of character. Good people, who contribute to the common good and give their best to everything they do. Young people with moral, civic and performance character. Young people who strive to be Ivanhoe Learners – courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate. [this could also be used as a pull out]
The principles underpinning our purpose are those of learning excellence, personal growth, global citizenship, digital transformation and having a futures focus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are always looking for great people to join our team. We are always seeking people who are energetic, collaborative and courageous.
Our purpose is to develop young people of character. Good people, who contribute to the common good and give their best to everything they do. Young people with moral, civic and performance character. Young people who strive to be Ivanhoe Learners – courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate.
The principles underpinning our purpose are those of learning excellence, personal growth, global citizenship, digital transformation and having a futures focus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are always looking for great people to join our team. We are always seeking people who are energetic, collaborative and courageous.
A GREAT SCHOOL HAS A CULTURE OF CHARACTER.
What we are about
We are all about character.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is Australia’s first school to be formally recognised internationally as a School of Character.
Character underpins everything we do. The core values of character are embedded in our culture, and we are intentional in our approach to developing character in our students. We provide them with every opportunity for moral action, self-motivation and global citizenship during and after their time at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
At the heart of our character education are three key dimensions:
MORAL CHARACTER
Moral character is about doing what is right and being a good person — even when no one is watching. It speaks to the values we hold and how we treat others. We nurture this through empathy, integrity, fairness and compassion. Students learn to act with honesty and take responsibility for their actions, guided by a strong moral compass. Our staff lead by example, modelling these values in everyday interactions and decisions, fostering a culture of trust and respect.
CIVIC CHARACTER
Civic character is about contributing to the greater good — locally, nationally, and globally. We instill in our students a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to others. This includes service learning, cross-cultural understanding, and active citizenship. Our learners are encouraged to participate in causes beyond themselves, and to recognise their ability to influence positive change in their communities. Civic character develops through connection, collaboration, and care for others. It promotes community engagement, active citizenship, and social awareness, a respect for diversity and commitment to social justice.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTER
Performance character is about giving one’s best effort. It enables students to set goals, work hard, and persist through challenge. It includes qualities like grit, resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. In the classroom, on the sporting field, on stage, and in leadership, performance character is what drives students to pursue their best. We cultivate a mindset where failure is seen as part of learning and growth, and where high standards are met with the courage to improve.
We believe these traits are not just taught; they are modelled and lived. The modelling of character by our teachers and professional services staff is a critical part of developing young people of character who are equipped for meaningful contribution to the world.
Our people are central to our commitment to being an authentic School of Character — a school where the key principles of character are explicit and all-pervading in our learning approach and practices, culture and climate, and student engagement and achievements.
Our Leadership Charter is one way we support our people and leaders to be the people of character we encourage our students to be. This charter is grounded in our Ivanhoe Learner Attributes and reflects our belief that we are all learners, not just our students. It provides a clear and practical reference for leading formal and informal learning experiences, co-curricular activities, and positive interactions with others.
We support and encourage a leadership mindset where our people:
• act with integrity, honesty and compassion
• promote the values of the Ivanhoe Learner in their practice and relationships
• create a culture of collaboration, inclusion and shared purpose
• encourage innovation and thoughtful risk-taking
• provide mentorship and support for the growth of others
• maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability and communication.
This is what we are about. A place where character is the lens through which we lead, teach and learn.
How we do things
A great school has a culture of community.
We are a community of over 400 people doing their part for over 2000 students. Our people are teachers, learning support officers, professional staff, coaches, specialists and casuals. The culture of our community is created by our people. This includes our Executive and formal Leadership Teams supporting everyone to deliver excellence and innovation in all areas of school life.
OUR COMMITMENT TO GROWTH
The ongoing professional growth of our people is a key priority. Exceptional Staff Performance is one of the six areas of focus identified in our Strategic Plan to achieve our purpose in line with our principles and ethos.
Through the Ivanhoe Institute we grow professional capacity, leadership and performance of our staff. We have an implemented charter for leadership, embedded structures and protocols for effective collaborative planning and review, and we implement best practice in staff lifecycle processes, and enhance coaching for professional growth.
Optimising wellbeing is also a key priority, and we are dedicated to growing and promoting our staff wellbeing initiatives.
Professional development opportunities include a range of programs and pathways.
• Individual and team-based professional development: targeted to specific roles and areas of interest.
• New staff induction: campus-based and school-wide orientation programs.
• Whole-school staff learning days: including child safety, compliance, wellbeing, and teaching and learning practices.
• Mentoring programs: supporting staff new to our School and/or new to the education sector.
• Leadership pathways: acting roles, internal promotions and development planning.
• Annual growth and development conversations: tailored to support individual goals and career progressions.
• The Learning Hub: an online self-paced learning resource with close to 10,000 learning materials and over 600 courses for all staff, covering a vast range of topics range to ignite curiosity and learning.
• Ivanhoe Lead: a self-paced, micro-credentialed and mentor-guided leadership program focused on leadership, excellence and development to support the growth of all staff.
OUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Our people work in beautiful physical spaces, surrounded by lush gardens and open areas. Our building and development program has provided our staff and students with state-of-the-art facilities. These well-thought-out lightfilled spaces are designed for collaboration, community gathering and fit-for-purpose learning and engagement. Our future development work continues this commitment to best learning environments.
We employ people under the relevant enterprise agreement for teaching or professional staff. We look to provide a range of remuneration benefits including:
• salary packaging options
• discounted health insurance
• 12% superannuation with choice of fund
• six weeks annual leave (professional services staff)
• paid parental leave
• discounted school fees for children of permanent staff
• employee assistant program
• on-site parking and access to facilities (e.g. café, gym and pool, where available).
‘We are about creating a culture where people are given permission to try things to develop their character.
A culture where we all feel safe. A culture of innovation and where our people are constantly trying to be the best they can be. One where students are striving to be their best. That is our collective goal.’
Gerard Foley, Principal
‘I love the people. I really love the human element of this school. No minute is the same. No day is the same. I love the small wins. You get small wins every day and that’s what keeps me motivated.
We know if we can build relationships, work closely with each other and partner with families, we can, together, move students to where they need to go beyond here. For them to be well prepared for whatever is next.’
Amber Sowden, Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus
Always seeking great people. Your move.
SEEKING A DIRECTOR OF SPORT
Great People Make Great Schools. Your move.
Our program
Sport is an integral part of life at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Our program fosters physical health, teamwork, resilience and spirit through a broad range of competitive and recreational opportunities.
As a member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV), Ivanhoe offers students access to highlevel interschool competition across multiple disciplines. We also support student participation in House sport, development squads and through our program Ivanhoe Edge – a holistic co-curricular advancement program providing 1:1 and small group development training, strength and conditioning, complementary practices such as mindfulness and breathwork, alongside nutritional and injury prevention education.
The Sports Department includes teachers, professional services staff, specialist coaches, and strength and conditioning practitioners, all working together to provide a cohesive, supportive and inclusive sporting environment across all our campuses at Ivanhoe Grammar School. We are committed to:
• encouraging participation across all year levels and abilities
• developing character and teamwork alongside athletic skill expansion
• providing leadership and mentoring opportunities for student athletes
• ensuring all staff and coaches meet compliance and child safety training requirements.
Director of Sport
The Director of Sport is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the strategic development, operational management, and enhancement of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s sport programs across Middle and Senior Years (Years 7–12). This includes all AGSV (Boys’) and AGSV/ APS (Girls’) sports and non-AGSV competitions, training programs, and broader co-curricular sport initiatives.
The role demands a commitment to excellence in student engagement, wellbeing, coaching development, community involvement, and safe practice. The Director of Sport is responsible for ensuring all sport-related activities reflect Ivanhoe’s culture and values, uphold compliance standards, and contribute positively to the holistic development of every student.
Sport is a key aspect of Ivanhoe’s educational philosophy, and the Director of Sport is instrumental in promoting a culture of participation, performance, leadership, and school spirit. The role includes oversight of weekend programs, term breaks when required, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders including associations, coaches, and community groups. The position involves working across multiple campuses and outside normal school hours, including Saturdays and some non-term periods.
Ensuring consistent, high-quality coaching and student experiences across all sports at all secondary campuses.
Fostering a culture that balances participation, performance, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Managing operational logistics while leading strategic sport development.
Create conditions for learning that are student-centred, outcomes-based, incorporate a diversity of approaches and promote.
Communicating effectively with key stakeholders.
THE TEAM
The Director of Sport reports to the Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus and is supported by the Deputy Director of Sport and Sport Administrators to develop and implement a vibrant and engaging sport program. They oversee the work and manage the performance of the Heads of major sports and coaches.
The Director of Sport oversees the allocation of teaching staff to a nominated sport in compliance with School policy and provides direction as to the requirements and expected standards of engagement. The position is based at Ridgeway Campus; however, the Director of Sport and Deputy Director of Sport will have an active weekly presence at both University and Plenty campuses.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Associated Relationships:
• Deputy Principal/ Head of Plenty Campus
• Deputy Heads of Campus
LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT
The Director of Sport holds a Position of Leadership (POL) responsible for the performance and the professional growth of their team, collectively and individually, and the planning, coordination, execution and review of the Sport program.
As an Ivanhoe leader, the person in this role commits to the Ivanhoe Charter for Leadership, its principles and ethos and the observable behaviours, attitudes and attributes of leadership as characterised by this charter.
Reports to: Deputy Principal/ Head of Ridgeway Campus
DIRECTOR OF SPORT
Associated Relationships:
• Director of Co-curricular Learning
• Teaching staff
Direct Reports
Deputy Director of Sport Heads of Sport Sport Administrators Coaching staff
Key Result Areas
RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
To promote and enable the Ivanhoe Strategic Vision
Provide students with a child-safe environment
To inspire, motivate and grow a positive and collaborative learning culture across the School community
The Purpose and Ethos of the Strategic Vision are evident in the observable behaviours and professional practice of all staff at Ivanhoe Grammar School
A demonstrable and leading understanding of appropriate behaviour and legal obligations relating to child safety.
A leader of compliance with the School’s Student-Safety Policy and Code of Conduct, and any other policies or proce-dures relating to child safety
The Director of Sport has an active and visible presence at training, fixtures and events across the School. They
• are known to all members of the School community at all secondary campuses
• build and foster community spirit through positive relationships with students, parents and guardians characterised by trust and goodwill
An environment of professional trust, empowerment and learning is fostered.
Observable professional behaviour and professional courtesy is modelled at all times.
A culture of high expectations and standards is evident in staff work practices and behaviours.
To provide strategic and highly visible leadership living out the Ivanhoe Charter for Leadership.
The Director of Sport is an outstanding and observable leader in:
• the exceptional management standards of their own areas of function and responsibility
• strategic change management processes
• the delegation of responsibilities to their team and direct reports
• the empowerment of their team as they conduct their work
• ensuring accountability processes exist to monitor progress and ensure responsibilities are met
The Director of Sport demonstrates a growth mindset reflected by proactively seeking feedback from all stakeholders and intentionally reflecting on their strengths and opportunities for growth
RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
To foster a vibrant sport culture focused on inclusion, leadership, resilience and enjoyment.
To oversee the work of Heads of Sport in student management and growth in their sport
A strategic plan for Sport is developed and tracked through clear and reportable milestones
Student achievements at all levels of sport are regularly acknowledged through a range of assemblies, newsletters, social media, and formal presentation events
Annual sports awards and recognition systems are consistently implemented and evaluated
Student participation in sport from Years 7–12 show growth and sustained engagement
A vibrant non AGSV/APS recreation program is developed
Positive feedback is consistently received through parent, student, and staff surveys regarding communication, relationships, and program culture
Staff involved in coaching demonstrate collaboration through shared plans, peer observations, and reflective feedback
Student achievement and engagement is recognised and celebrated Consistency in the approach to student management issues is in place across all sport programs
Collaboration between all sport and pastoral leaders regarding student management and wellbeing is evident
An elite player development program is maintained to work with students across all year levels that have been highlighted as having a potential career in the sport
Memberships with the relevant sporting body for the sport are proactively maintained and add value to the development program
To oversee coaching performance and management
Coaches are supported to coordinate an engaging and successful sport experience for students with training in:
• skill and training drill design to maximise development and enhance student engagement and participation
• the School’s expectations and standards in regard to student wellbeing and management and the related procedures
Mandatory child safety and compliance training, as required by the School, AGSV, and government, is monitored to ensure completion by all Sports Department members including casual coaching staff. Follow-up is undertaken as needed to maintain full compliance.
Modern coaching techniques and strategies, as seen at higher levels of the sport, are investigated and evaluated for possible implementation at the School level
Internal coaching development pathways are in place, including workshops, mentoring, and access to accreditation opportunities
Coaches are provided with feedback through peer observation at training and games
RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
To oversee the work of Deputy Director of Sport in the operation and administration of the Sport program
Work within the allocated annual budget, in consultation with the Finance Team.
All information is disseminated to students in a timely and effective manner
Teaching staff are allocated to a season of sport in compliance with School policy ensuring timely communication and direction as to the requirements of their role and the expected standards of engagement
All training and match day logistics are well coordinated with minimal disruption with sport equipment efficiently managed and well maintained
Sporting camps/tours are organised in full compliance with the School’s policy and protocol requirements.
Regular liaison exists with grounds and maintenance staff in relation to the operational elements of sport
Risk registers, compliance records, and incident reports demonstrate consistent and proactive management
House Carnivals are highly organised and well led, including timely communications to all staff and students
Effective and timely communications with the Business Centre
The budget supports the delivery of programs in accordance with School policies and priorities
Recommendations and assistance in preparation of the annual budget are provided to the Director of Sport
Representing the School Networks and community relationships are fostered
Represent Ivanhoe at AGSV/APS and relevant sport associations and their resources utilised
Other duties as directed by the Deputy Principal
The School is represented in a range events and settings as directed
Attend various committee meetings at the invitation of the Deputy Principal or Principal
Engage in projects as directed by the Deputy Principal or Principal
Key selection Criteria
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Relevant Post-Graduate studies (or working towards a further qualification) and experience in sport management and leadership
Experience in secondary education sports leadership would be advantageous
Strong understanding of adolescent development and wellbeing in a sporting context.
Expert knowledge of child safety protocols and compliance requirements.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Outstanding organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
A demonstrated ability to build community
Strong capacity to consult, collaborate and interact with staff, students and parents / guardians
Demonstrable understanding of contemporary coaching theories and practices
Demonstrated capacity to employ contemporary digital technologies
ATTRIBUTES
Be a suitable person to engage in child-connected work
Supportive and an avid promoter of the Ivanhoe Grammar ethos and values
Innovative and creative thinker
Highly developed verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work with others towards a common goal
Personal resilience, enabling effective management of multiple and conflicting demands.
Important Information
CHILD SAFETY
All schools have a moral responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of students. At Ivanhoe Grammar School we take this responsibility very seriously. We are committed to a school culture where protecting children forms a part of our everyday thinking and activity. Protecting students is the responsibility of everyone who is employed at, or is engaged by, Ivanhoe in child-related work. Detailed information about our commitment to child safety and wellbeing, is set out in our code of conduct, policies and procedures located on our Child Safety page.
Committed to child safety, children’s wellbeing and protecting children from abuse, the School requires that all staff comply with the School’s Student Safety Code of Conduct, Student Safety Policy, Student Safety Concerns Management Procedure, Health and Safety Policy and Respectful Workplace Behaviour Policy.
All teachers and non-teaching staff working directly with or caring directly for students are required to have a working knowledge and understanding of our Child Safety Code of Conduct, Student Safety Policy and Student Safety Concerns Management Procedure.
Where any staff member breaches any of the School’s policies or codes of conduct, the School will take appropriate disciplinary action.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE STAFF
All members of the Professional Service Staff team are expected to support each other in achieving operational and strategic goals and work towards the continuous improvement of the School’s systems and programs. Professional Service Staff must be willing to assist and support other members within the team in accordance with our School’s expectations of collegiality and teamwork. The Business Manager or their delegate may assign reasonable duties in addition to those listed in this position description.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS)
All School staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other staff who may be affected by their conduct.
All staff are responsible for:
• Participating in OHS related training
• Reporting OHS hazards and incidents
• Actively participating in the development of risk assessment and or job safety analysis
• Assist with workplace inspections
• Adhere to Ivanhoe Grammar School’s OHS policies and procedures
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
All employees of Ivanhoe Grammar School are expected and required to understand and adhere to all School policies and procedures. It is a condition of employment that all employees participate in all training provided to them regarding policies and procedures in accordance with legislative requirements. A breach of School policy may result in disciplinary action.
Who we are
A school is built on the strength of its people. Great people make great schools.
It’s that simple. And we stand by this. People create culture. At Ivanhoe Grammar School, our people create a culture of belonging. A place where ideas are heard and supported. Where you are encouraged to try something new. A place to feel included and valued.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is a values-driven, coeducational independent school with a commitment to fostering a community where students, teachers and professional services staff can continually become the best version of themselves.
Our purpose is to develop young people of character. Good people, who contribute to the common good and give their best to everything they do. Young people with moral, civic and performance character. Young people who strive to be Ivanhoe Learners – courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate. [this could also be used as a pull out]
GREAT PEOPLE CREATE A THRIVING COMMUNITY
The principles underpinning our purpose are those of learning excellence, personal growth, global citizenship, digital transformation and having a futures focus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are always looking for great people to join our team. We are always seeking people who are energetic, collaborative and courageous.
Our purpose is to develop young people of character. Good people, who contribute to the common good and give their best to everything they do. Young people with moral, civic and performance character. Young people who strive to be Ivanhoe Learners – courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate.
The principles underpinning our purpose are those of learning excellence, personal growth, global citizenship, digital transformation and having a futures focus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are always looking for great people to join our team. We are always seeking people who are energetic, collaborative and courageous.
Your move
We are always seeking great people.
To apply for a role at Ivanhoe Grammar School, please include the following.
Cover letter
A summary of your interest in the position and your alignment to the culture, purpose and ethos of Ivanhoe Grammar School, including our Ivanhoe Learner Attributes.
WHERE TO APPLY
Curriculum Vitae
Details regarding your qualifications, relevant experience, and key achievements.
Referees
Two professional referees. We will only contact them at the relevant recruitment stage, with your agreement.
Applications must be submitted via our Director of Sport listing, or through Seek, as specified in the job advertisement.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF APPLICATIONS
All applications will be acknowledged via email, with further details about shortlisting and interview timeframes provided after the closing date.
SELECTION PROCESS
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with relevant members of the selection panel. Depending on the role, the selection process may include a:
• second round interview
• practical task
• review of compliance documents.
REFERENCE CHECKS
At least two reference checks will be conducted. This will be undertaken with your nominated referees after interviews and with your permission. We may also contact others with knowledge of your professional background.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
All preferred candidates will be required to:
• hold or obtain a valid Working with Children check or VIT registration (for teaching roles)
• undergo identity and qualification verification
• provide evidence of right to work in Australia (if applicable)
• complete child safety declarations and relevant induction modules
• undertake pre-employment health or psychometric screening where relevant to the role.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is committed to the safety, participation and wellbeing of all children. We have a zerotolerance approach to child abuse and all applicants must demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, child safety standards.
Ivanhoe Grammar School is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome to be themselves.
