Chief Executive Officer

About Atwea College

Atwea College is dedicated daily to creating opportunities that enable young people and communities to thrive through alternative secondary education, community learning initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Operating across eight campuses in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions, Alesco Secondary College, a part of Atwea College, plays a vital role in serving its communities.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Chief Executive Officer to guide Atwea College into its next phase by uniting stakeholders around a shared vision, enhancing financial sustainability, and expanding its community impact. This pivotal leadership position reports directly to the Board and encompasses oversight of Alesco Secondary College, Corporate Services, and Community Partnerships.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the organisation's strategic vision and long-term plan.
• Strengthen financial sustainability while growing the community outreach.
• Guide organisational transformation with empathy, authenticity, and effective communication.
• Align operations between Alesco Secondary College, Corporate Services, and Community Partnerships.
• Provide transparent and accessible leadership to a broad, geographically distributed workforce.
• Foster strong relationships with government bodies, regulators, funding agencies, education partners, and community stakeholders.
• Lead and support a skilled senior leadership team, nurturing a positive and value-driven organisational culture.
• Collaborate closely with the Board to ensure robust governance, risk management, compliance, and organisational performance.

Candidate Profile

We invite applications from experienced leaders from diverse sectors such as education, community services, government, health, or other mission-driven fields. Candidates with strong commercial leadership abilities looking to contribute to enduring social impact are equally encouraged. The hallmark qualities include adeptness at managing complexity with a future-oriented outlook.

• Demonstrated executive leadership in managing multifaceted, regulated organisations.
• Excellent commercial insight balancing mission purpose with sustainable finances.
• Strategic thinking combined with a pragmatic approach to execution.
• Exceptional communication skills and stakeholder engagement with influence at all levels.
• Approachable, visible leadership style fostering trust across various professional and operational contexts.
• Successful experience in leading organisational change while maintaining team involvement and momentum.
• Deep commitment to enhancing community outcomes through mission-centered work.

Why Join Atwea College?

This unique leadership opportunity offers the chance to work with a dedicated Board and passionate staff in an organisation that transforms lives. Candidates who are visionary, resilient, commercially adept, and driven by purpose will find this role rewarding.

Application Details

Please submit your resume and cover letter by August 7, 2026. For confidential discussions, contact Julie Gearie at 02 4905 0130.