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
Always seeking great people. Your move.
SEEKING A HEAD OF ADMISSIONS & ENGAGEMENT
Great People Make Great Schools. Your move.
Admissions & Engagement
Our strength is in our community. Our school is made up of teachers, staff and students, alongside parents, alumni, donors, collaborators, our local neighbourhood, and global connections. We are dedicated to nurturing all these relationships, because a thriving school culture comes from the commitment and support of this extended community.
Given this fact, the importance of admissions and engagement at Ivanhoe Grammar School cannot be understated. Our Admissions & Engagement teams are responsible for the connections we make across all stages of our relationship with people.
Introducing Ivanhoe Grammar School to those who may not know who we are.
• Authentically sharing our story.
• Receiving initial enquiries. • Making the first impression.
• Addressing the needs of future families.
• Celebrating our community. • Sharing our purpose and ethos.
• Creating lifelong connections.
The Admissions & Engagement Department is formed by four key teams: Admissions, Community Engagement, Communications & Marketing, and Development. These are teams of specialists in their field, focused on a common goal to build community and cultivate meaningful connection. We are committed to:
• providing opportunity as an open entry school and through a respected scholarship program
• fostering the growth of our international students
• authentic storytelling and brand custodianship
• positive and meaningful engagement with our community
• creating long-lasting and meaningful connection with our alumni and their families
• building fundraising partnerships and a thriving philanthropic network.
Head of Admissions & Engagement
As a key member of the Principal’s Executive, the Head of Admissions & Engagement provides visible, strategic leadership across these four interconnected portfolios. This role is responsible for championing authentic storytelling, data-driven decision-making and seamless collaboration across critical touchpoints people have with Ivanhoe Grammar School.
This role is instrumental in designing and implementing integrated strategies, with a key focus to enhance the reputation of Ivanhoe Grammar School, deepen community engagement, and drive philanthropic growth. A highly visible member of our community, the Head of Admissions & Engagement builds trusted, meaningful relationships with students, families, alumni and supporters. This person is deeply embedded in our community and is a valued ambassador of our purpose and ethos.
Maintain strong enrolments and waitlists across all campuses.
Build on Ivanhoe Grammar School’s reputation as a school of character and a school of choice.
Continue strengthening our brand connection and community presence.
Drive strategic and sustainable philanthropic growth.
Foster an innovative and collaborative culture across the Admissions & Engagement portfolio.
Align admissions and engagement deliverable to school-wide priorities and initiatives.
THE TEAM
The Head of Admissions & Engagements reports directly to the Principal and is a member of the Principal’s Executive. An inspirational and present leader, this person is responsible for fostering the growth of highly engaged and autonomous team managers, professionals responsible for their independent portfolios and people. Portfolios span Admissions, Community Engagement, Communications & Marketing, and Development (which includes fundraising, alumni and philanthropy).
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT
The Head of Admissions & Engagement 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 their function or 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.
PRINCIPAL’S EXECUTIVE TEAM
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 procedures relating to child safety.
The Head of Admissions & Engagement has an active and visible presence across the School including campus and community events. They:
• work effectively with all members of the School and local community
• build and foster community spirit through positive relationships with students, parents and guardians characterised by trust and goodwill
• work with the various Parents and Friends groups
• respond to enquiries from the general public as required.
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 Head of Admissions & Engagement 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
Lead a collaborative and high-performing Admissions & Engagement team.
Provide strategic direction and leadership across Admissions, Communications, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Development functions.
To oversee and manage School enrolments and admissions.
A culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose is fostered.
Team capacity is built through clear direction and professional growth.
Cross-functional alignment across all Advancement areas is strengthened and maintained.
Seamless, community-focused engagement at every touchpoint is delivered.
All functions are aligned under a clear, cohesive strategic vision.
The School’s profile is elevated through integrated, purpose-driven initiatives.
Community connection is strengthened across every stage of the journey.
Collaborative leadership and innovation across the Admissions & Engagement team.
Support and guide the work of the Admissions Manager to ensure:
• data and insights inform strategic enrolment planning and decision-making
• a warm, welcoming, and values-aligned admissions experience for every family
• enrolment processes are clear, efficient, and family-focused
• communications are timely, accurate, and reflective of the School’s ethos.
To oversee marketing and communication strategies.
Support and guide the work of the Communications & Marketing Manager to ensure:
• messaging is aligned with the School’s values and strategic goals
• communications drive enrolment, engagement, and giving
• community stories build pride and connection
• marketing is targeted, relevant, and responsive
• brand presence is strong, cohesive, and visible.
To oversee Development including alumni relations, fundraising, and philanthropy.
Support and guide the work of the Development Manager to:
• strengthen connection through purposeful, pride-filled communication
• deepen alumni ties through meaningful, story-driven engagement
• enhance donor experience with impactful, trust-building messaging
• deliver a clear, values-aligned narrative of giving
• build trust and visibility through consistent, transparent communication.
RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
To oversee the Calendar, Events & Community Engagement Team.
Support and guide the work of the Calendar, Events & Community Engagement Manager to:
• deliver well-organised events supported by accurate and timely communication
• ensure the calendar accurately reflects community events
• lead a capable events team that works collaboratively and professionally
• ensure event logistics are well planned, seamless, efficient, and in accord with the School’s standards
• chair and work with Parents and Friends groups.
Provide accurate data, strategic reports, and forecasts for the Principal and Board.
Work within the allocated annual budget, in consultation with the Finance Team.
Student number forecasts and performance data are reliable.
Effective and timely communications with the Finance Office.
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 Finance Office.
Networks and community relationships are fostered.
Best practice opportunities in education are explored.
Relevant Associations are maintained, and their resources utilised.
The School is represented in a range events and settings as directed.
Attend various committee meetings at the invitation of the Principal.
Engage in projects as directed by the Principal.
Key selection Criteria
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Relevant qualifications in Business, or a discipline related to this role.
Minimum five years' experience in admissions and engagement or related leadership roles.
Proven success in fundraising, community engagement, marketing, or enrolments.
Experience in an independent school or complex not-for-profit setting preferred.
Expert knowledge of child safety protocols and compliance requirements.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management abilities.
Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
High-level data analysis and reporting capabilities.
Deep understanding of the independent school sector.
Technological proficiency across marketing, CRM and admissions systems.
ATTRIBUTES
A suitable person to engage in child-connected work.
Strategic thinker with commercial acumen.
Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, collaborative, and community-minded approach.
Strong personal integrity and discretion.
Supportive and avid promoter of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s ethos and values.
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 of our website.
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 Head of Admissions & Engagement listing on our website, 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.
