Executive Assistant to the Principal
St Hilda’s School | Gold Coast | Queensland
Permanent, Full-Time, Onsite
Commencing: 05 May 2026, or as soon as possible
St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast invites applications for the permanent, full-time, onsite position of Executive Assistant to the Principal. If you are a dedicated professional who finds genuine fulfilment in enabling others to lead with impact, we warmly invite you to apply.
Every great school is led by a Principal who cares deeply for their community and inspires and connects to ensure everyone flourishes, and behind every great Principal is an exceptional Executive Assistant who makes it all possible. This is your opportunity to step into a pivotal support role in our school community where your warm personality, professionalism, discretion, and initiative will be the keys to your success.
About You
You are a highly organised, emotionally intelligent professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes genuine pride in delivering excellence. You understand that the role of an Executive Assistant at this level goes far beyond scheduling and correspondence — it demands strategic thinking, unwavering discretion, and a deep commitment to supporting the people you serve.
You bring:
* A warm, professional manner and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels of a school community
* The confidence to work independently and the humility to know when to collaborate
* A meticulous eye for detail matched with the adaptability to pivot when priorities shift
* Strong values, ideally aligned with an Anglican ethos, and a genuine belief in the power of girls’ education
* Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments with tact, diplomacy, and grace under pressure.
About Us
Located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, we are one of Australia’s leading independent Anglican Day and Boarding Schools for girls from Pre-Prep to Year 12. With an enviable reputation of excellence in girls’ education and world class facilities, St Hilda’s School has a long and proud history of outstanding academic achievement, grounded in strong Anglican Christian values.
About the Position
Reporting directly to the Principal, the Executive Assistant plays a central role in the efficient and effective operation of the Principal's office. You will act as a trusted right hand, managing the day-to-day administration that enables our Principal to focus on leading the school community with vision and purpose.
This role provides high-level support not only to the Principal, but also support to the School Council, Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, and the broader administrative team. No two days are the same, you will have flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for school events, and you will be called upon to contribute across a wide range of functions:
Executive and Administrative Support
* Manage and maintain the Principal's calendar, diary and travel arrangements
* Screen and respond to phone calls, emails and correspondence on behalf of the Principal
* Attend School Council and Leadership Team meetings as minute taker
* Coordinate special events, functions, and VIP arrangements
* Reconcile the Principal's credit card expenditure and maintain document management systems
Communication and Correspondence
* Prepare and publish key communications including newsletters, term dates, and official letters
* Liaise with the Marketing team on invitations, website updates, and social media content
* Handle enquiries, concerns, and complaints with discretion, routing matters appropriately in the Principal's absence
* Ensure all school communications are consistent in format, tone, and brand
Research, Governance and Compliance
* Support audits and mandatory reporting including NSSAB, Synod, Child Protection, and Government submissions
* Assist with preparation of surveys, data collation, and summary recommendations
* Maintain accurate, version-controlled records and confidential files
* Ensure administrative processes align with school policies, privacy legislation, and child safeguarding requirements
Selection Criteria:
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria. Please address each in your application.
1. Executive-Level Administrative Expertise
You have a minimum of five years' experience in an executive assistant or senior administrative role, ideally within a school or complex organisational environment. You are highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable with a range of school management and database software. You bring demonstrated experience in producing polished professional documents, coordinating complex diaries, and managing competing priorities with composure and precision.
2. Communication, Discretion and Professionalism
You possess advanced written and verbal communication skills, including strong proofreading ability and a high standard of grammar. You exercise sound judgement and unwavering confidentiality in the handling of sensitive information relating to staff, students, and school operations. You present professionally and model respectful, empathetic communication in all interactions with the school community.
3. Relationship Management and Community Engagement
You are a warm, skilled relationship builder who acts as a welcoming and professional first point of contact for staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders. You liaise effectively across all levels of the school, from the School Council Chair to external regulatory bodies, and contribute positively to a collaborative team culture. Your interpersonal skills enable you to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with diplomacy and care.
4. Governance, Compliance and Research Capability
You have experience supporting compliance and governance functions, including mandatory reporting, audits, and policy administration. You can research, collate and synthesise information to produce high-quality summary reports and recommendations. You maintain meticulous records, demonstrate strong version control practices, and ensure all administrative processes meet legislative and regulatory requirements.
5. Values Alignment and Commitment to the School Community
You demonstrate a genuine personal commitment to supporting the Anglican ethos and the vision, mission, and values of the School. You are a positive role model who exhibits integrity, loyalty, and a strong service orientation. You are enthusiastic about continuous improvement and eager to grow professionally within a vibrant and purpose-driven school community.
Why Join St Hilda’s School?
Be part of a passionate values-driven community which embraces collaboration and innovation and supports staff wellbeing and professional growth. We are a community which promotes belonging and connectedness. We offer on-site parking, staff use of the school gym, a comprehensive employee assistance program and professional development opportunities. Enjoy the convenience of an onsite co-located Early Learning Centre at very reasonable rates, providing peace of mind and proximity for staff with young families.
As a prospective member of the St Hilda’s Community, you must be willing to support the Code of Conduct and the stated values and Anglican Ethos of the School.
The successful applicant must hold a current Working with Children Check (Blue Card) or be eligible to obtain one prior to appointment and be willing to have their name submitted to the Anglican Church’s Professional Standards Register.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following:
* A maximum two-page A4 written response addressing the selection criteria
* A full Curriculum Vitae, including contact details for two professional referees
Applications should be submitted by 9.00am Thursday 02 April 2026.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. St Hilda’s School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Any questions about the position, or for a copy of the Position Description, please contact Melanie Cowan, People and Culture Manager at ******@sthildas.qld.edu.au or (07) 5532 4***.
*Please do not email applications to Melanie directly.