Position Vacant - Head of Community Engagement

Head of Community Engagement

A full-time position with start date to be negotiated with successful candidate.

The College

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Range escarpment in Australia's Garden City of Toowoomba, Fairholme College is one of Australia's leading independent girls' schools with more than eight hundred students from Kindy to Year 12 and over two hundred boarders form part of the total enrolment.

Fairholme students enjoy outstanding success in academic pursuits (close to 95% of Year 12 students proceed to tertiary studies each year), as well as in sporting, cultural and service activities. Please explore further on this website to learn more about Fairholme's offerings and our students' achievements. From the establishment of our predecessor school in 1908, through the move to our current location in 1917 and into the 21st century, Fairholme seeks to maintain a student enrolment split 35/65 between country boarders and Toowoomba day girls, as well as a strong commitment to quality single-sex girls' education. A College of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland, Fairholme is committed to creating a caring Christian community where all we do is undergirded by our Christian faith.

The Position

POSITION: Head of Community Engagement

RESPONSIBLE TO: The Principal

REPORTS TO: The Principal.

KEY FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Business Manager, Leadership Team, Publications, Promotions and Events Assistant, Archivist and Fairholme Old Girls’ Association (FOGA) Alumni Officer, FOGA, Enrolments Officer, Broader School Community.

The Person

We are looking for a visionary, strategic and results-driven Head of Community Engagement to join our team and help us elevate our brand, engage with our community and craft memorable events that inspire and connect.

As the Head of Community Engagement, you will play a key leadership role in shaping and executing our school’s communication strategy, promoting our college to diverse audiences and driving enrolment and community involvement through dynamic marketing campaigns and events. You will work closely with our leadership team, staff and students to deliver a cohesive narrative that aligns with the school’s mission and vision.

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, energetic and data-informed professional to lead a team that thrives on innovation, creativity and measurable impact.

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities

Strategic planning and execution: Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that enhances the college’s brand, reputation and visibility in the community.

Creative campaigns: Oversee the design and implementation of creative marketing campaigns across digital, print and social media platforms to engage with our current and prospective families, alumni, philanthropists and the broader community.

Data-informed decision making: Utilise analytics and data insights to measure the effectiveness of communication and seek to consistently improve our community’s experience.

Event leadership: Plan and execute high-impact events that promote school spirit, engage families and enhance our support groups.

Branding and storytelling: Shape and amplify the college’s narrative, ensuring consistency in messaging across all touchpoints including website, internal platforms, social media and publications.

Team collaboration: Lead a dynamic team, collaborating with staff and the leadership team to ensure alignment and timely delivery of marketing, communications and event initiatives with the college’s goals.

Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, alumni, media outlets and the local community.

Communications management: Ensure timely, respectful and solutions-focused messaging that supports the college in navigating high-pressure scenarios.

Qualifications:

• Degree or post graduate degree in related field, preferred.
• Experience in marketing, communications and event management, preferably in an educational setting.
• Proven success in developing and executing creative and data-informed marketing strategies.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media and content creation.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, track performance and adjust strategies based on insights.
• High energy, creativity and the ability to flourish in an evolving environment.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a passionate, caring and dynamic team dedicated to creating a vibrant and nurturing school community so that our young women can create a positive impact on the world around them and into the future.
• Lead innovative marketing and event strategies that directly influence the growth and success of the school.
• Enjoy a collaborative, supportive and creative work environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.
• Toowoomba offers a perfect blend of a vibrant regional lifestyle, excellent amenities and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Working with Children

As a College we are committed to the health and wellbeing of all our members and, in particular the welfare of all students in our care. As such, staff members are committed to prevention, identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect and adherence to the Child Protection Policy and the Staff Code of Conduct, both of which are available - see links below.

Whilst such policies have direct relevance to boarding, coaching, nursing and teaching staff, all prospective candidates are requested to read the following documents prior to submitting an application. Our responsibilities to work respectfully and thoughtfully with all, and particularly the young people in our care, are shared across all staff, evident in our demeanour, as well as our adherence to policy requirements.

• Child Protection Policy › (PDF)
• Staff Code of Conduct: › (PDF)

Successful candidates are required to undergo a screening process prior to appointment and must comply with all College policies and relevant legislation related to student protection.

Communication Skills

• The ability to work collaboratively with work colleagues, and to communicate clearly and enthusiastically with staff, students, and families.
• An ability to support and enact a restorative practices approach to conflict resolution is required. See Restorative Practices at Fairholme ›

Workplace Health and Safety

As a member of the College, the successful applicant is required to follow all workplace, health and safety requirements that include but are not limited to:

• Adherence to and working knowledge of policy requirements;
• Cooperation with audit, professional learning and training/drill processes;
• Meticulous attention to reporting responsibilities and record-keeping obligations in relation to all workplace, health and safety matters.

The Package

The appointment is currently under the conditions of the Fairholme College Collective Agreement and will attract proportional time release and remuneration. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate based on their qualifications and experience including generous leave provisions and an enhanced superannuation scheme.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Adhere to the Fairholme College Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
• Comply with College policies, procedures and training requirements, including those related to occupational health and safety, risk management, child protection and confidentiality.
• Positively support Fairholme College’s traditions and Christian ethos.
• Obtain a Blue Cared for Working with Children or current registration with the Queensland College of Teachers prior to and while you are employed in the position.
  
  

How to Apply:

If you are ready to bring your creativity, energy and strategic thinking to Fairholme College, we want to hear from you!

Please address your resume, the contact details of two professional referees, a cover letter detailing your experience, and examples of previous campaigns or events you have led (maximum five pages in total).

Applications, which close on Tuesday 22 April 2025, should be submitted via [email protected],

Join us in making a lasting positive impact on the future of our young women and the community we serve.

Applications To The Principal, care of:

Ms Rebecca Stone

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07 4688 4624

Selection Process

The interview panel will review applications and determine a short list. Non successful candidates will be advised via email once the interview process has been completed and the successful candidate appointed.

NB. The commencement datestart date to be negotiated with successful candidate.

Proudly a College of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland