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Job Title


Chief Executive Officer (East Melbourne)


Company : Cari


Location : Melbourne, Victoria


Created : 2026-03-21


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/39kw7l Chief Executive Officer n About Mercy Education Limited n 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. n 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. n The Opportunity n 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. n 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. n This is leadership with genuine moral purpose for a leader who believes that values-based Catholic education can and should change lives. n The Role n Reporting to the Board through the Board Chair, the CEO provides strategic leadership and operational stewardship across MEL''s 13-college network. Key accountabilities include: n - 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 n n n What We''re Looking For n Essential n - 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:n - 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 robust 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.n n There are very few executive opportunities in Australian education that combine this level of strategic scope, mission significance and genuine complexity. Here is why exceptional leaders choose this role: n - Mission That Matters Lead an organisation rooted in the Gospel values of Catherine McAuley, educating young people with compas Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/39kw7l Chief Executive Officer (East Melbourne) Six Degrees Executive East Melbourne### Reply to this offerImpress this employer describing Your skills and abilities, fill out the form below and leave Your personal touch in the presentation letter. #J-18808-Ljbffr