Head of Schools Engagement and Partnerships

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Marketing and Communications provide university-wide strategic marketing and communications advice and develop, manage and implement marketing and communications activities (including advertising) across all Griffith audiences including prospective and current students, staff, alumni, donors and corporate partners.

About the Opportunity

The Head of Schools Engagement & Partnerships plays a pivotal role in strengthening Griffith University’s strategic relationships with secondary high school partners. This position is instrumental is enhancing existing relationships and cultivating new ones to elevate the University’s profile and attract a diverse pipeline of prospective students – including school leavers and mature-aged learners - for the upcoming CBD campus.

With a strong focus on strategic engagement, the incumbent will lead initiatives that align with Griffith’s broader strategic objectives, including identifying and capitalising on engagement and recruitment opportunities, managing stakeholder networks and delivering measurable outcomes that support long-term growth.

The role requires high-level capability in researching, building and developing executive level relationships, client relationship management, identifying engagement and recruitment opportunities, stakeholder management and project management. Strong analytical and reporting skills are essential to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring in-depth knowledge of the Queensland secondary education system, including curriculum and key challenges facing senior students, to identify strategic opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
• Use advanced relationship management skills to initiate, develop, and sustain strong partnerships with schools and education stakeholders aligned to the University’s strategic goals.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders (e.g. Griffith Honours College, Academic Group Business Partners, Griffith Sports College) to drive engagement with priority partners.
• Operate with a high level of autonomy while ensuring alignment with Marketing and Communications and other key University functions to deliver a coordinated and effective recruitment partnership strategy.
• Provide high-level reports, insights, and presentations to inform senior leadership on partnership outcomes and future opportunities.
• Lead key projects focused on curriculum-aligned initiatives to create meaningful links between Griffith University and secondary schools.
• Co-manage key programs including the Senior Schools Partnership Initiative and the Principals Advisory Committee to deepen school engagement and drive long-term collaboration.
• Support the planning and delivery of high-impact stakeholder events such as the Principals’ Dinner and advisory committee meetings.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field together with relevant experience in education and a proven record of accomplishment of successfully engaging with school and industry partners in a university environment.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term opportunity until 31/12/2026 based at Brisbane South (Nathan).  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Salary is HEW 9 -  Base range - $132,655.36 - $137,398.61 + 17% super. Full package range - $155,206.78 - $160,756.38.

Why join Griffith?



As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Sunday 24th August @ 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.