Chief Executive Officer About Mercy Education Limited
Mercy Education Limited (MEL) is the governing body responsible for the strategic direction, financial stewardship, child safety and legal obligations of thirteen Catholic secondary colleges across Australia. Founded in the tradition of Catherine McAuley — whose vision of compassion, justice and service has shaped Catholic education in Australia for over 175 years — MEL exists to advance the Mercy charism and deliver outstanding education to more than 13,850 students across Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
Operating across five Catholic dioceses, MEL is an organisation of complexity and meaningful purpose. Its colleges are long-established, financially strong institutions with dedicated staff, growing enrolments and deep community roots.
The Opportunity
MEL is at an inflection point. Having navigated a period of stabilisation, the organisation is now positioned for growth, corporatisation and an exceptional CEO to define its future. This is a rare opportunity to lead a network of national significance, co‐create a strategic plan with the Board, and shape the future of MEL's 13 colleges service to students, families and communities for generations to come.
The incoming CEO will inherit strong school finances, a capable National Office team and a Board commitment to growth and transparent governance. They will have the scope and autonomy to set direction, build MEL's corporate value proposition, deepen the Mercy charism across a contemporary and diverse school network, and drive growth through new school partnerships and service expansion.
This is leadership with genuine moral purpose — for a leader who believes that values‐based Catholic education can and should change lives.
The Role
* Strategy & Growth — Co‐develop the strategic plan with the Board; build MEL's corporate value proposition; drive new school partnerships, affiliate relationships and revenue diversification
* Leadership — Deliver value‐adding services to member schools; champion educational excellence, child safety and school improvement across the network
* People & Culture — Appoint and develop College Principals and National Office staff; set the tone from the top; build a high‐performing, mission‐aligned National Office team
* Stakeholder Engagement — Maintain transparent Board relations; build trusted networks across Catholic and State education authorities, diocesan leaders and government agencies in VIC, WA and SA
* Governance & Compliance — Ensure robust financial controls, accurate reporting and full regulatory compliance across three states
What We're Looking For
Essential:
* Proven senior leadership in the education sector — secondary education system experience strongly preferred (school system, regional or national office level)
* Exceptional relational and stakeholder skills — the capacity to build trust with school principals and lead across complex, multi‐jurisdictional environments
* Commercial acumen and financial literacy; strong organisational leadership including HR, legal and change management
* Deep understanding of regulatory and compliance obligations across multiple states
* Child safeguarding experience and commitment to best practice
* Be able to demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision and values of MEL and the ministerial works of Mercy Ministry Companions
Highly valued:
* Being a practising Catholic is highly regarded
* Catholic education sector experience; adjacent sectors (Catholic health, tertiary education) considered
* Servant leadership philosophy — builds trust through humility, consistency and empowerment
* Track record of developing strong leaders and effective succession planning
* Growth mindset and experience executing new service or school development opportunities
Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in education, leadership and/or business (postgraduate preferred). Working with Children Checks (multi‐state), National Police Records Check and Applicant Declaration required.
Why This Role?
* Mission That Matters — Lead an organisation rooted in the Gospel values of Catherine McAuley, educating young people with compassion, justice and a commitment to those at the margins
* Real Transformation to Lead — MEL is moving from stabilisation to growth; the incoming CEO will shape its direction and leave a lasting legacy across 13 schools and 14,000 students
* Strategic Scope & Autonomy — Co‐create a new strategic plan, define MEL's value proposition, build shared services and drive growth through new partnerships
* Meaningful Stakeholder Network — Operate at the intersection of faith, education and public policy, engaging principals, bishops, government authorities and communities across three states
* A Strong Foundation — Strong school finances, long‐established institutions, a capable team and a Board committed to transparent governance
* Catholic Identity in a Modern World — Champion the Mercy charism for a contemporary, diverse student body — articulating why values‐based education matters
How to Apply
This search is being conducted exclusively by Six Degrees Executive on behalf of Mercy Education Limited. To apply please click Apply Now, or to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Nick Hindhaugh at Six Degrees on 0422141161.
Mercy Education Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to child safety and the protection of all members of our school communities. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre‐employment screening including Working with Children Checks (multi‐state), National Police Records Check and completion of an Applicant Declaration Document.
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