Director of Business Operations and Strategy

ABOUT US

St Lucy's School is a Catholic Independent School in the Dominican tradition, a community enriched by difference; inspiring learning for a life of purpose.

Our School values are Joy, Community, Courage and Truth. The Spirit is ever present here as we embrace the Joy of moments. We foster Community through connections, relationships and collaboration. We act with Courage to inspire risk taking for growth. We see to understand, respect and believe in Truth. We live Joy, foster Community, act with Courage, pursue the Truth.

We are committed to being a leading school in the education of children with disabilities, and to ensuring that our families receive the best support throughout their educational journey.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Director of Business Operations and Strategy is an Executive Leadership role responsible for driving both strategic direction and operational excellence while overseeing the school's non-academic administration. This position plays a critical role in shaping and managing the infrastructure, systems, and services that underpin our vibrant and inclusive school community.

As a key operational leader, the Director of Business Operations and Strategy provides both strategic oversight and hands-on management to ensure seamless day-to-day operations, foster innovative practices, and uphold a high standard of service. By effectively coordinating people, processes, and resources, this role directly supports the school's mission to create a safe, efficient, and inspiring environment for students, staff, and the wider community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with outstanding relationship building and team leadership capabilities. With a high level of energy and a proactive, hands-on approach to management and mentoring, they will bring strong organisational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills to a collaborative decision-making style.

Aligned with the values and ethos of St Lucy's School, the successful appointee will take an active interest in and contribute meaningfully to the life of the school.

REPORTING LINES

The Director of Business Operations and Strategy is a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Principal.

The Director of Business Operations and Strategy has responsibility for the business operational functions which supports the School including Finance, Administration, Information and Community Technology (ICT), Facilities, Human Resources, Fundraising, Marketing and Enrolments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

Lead and enhance the management of all school facilities, maintenance programs, procurement processes, and the operational lead for the expansion and development of satellite classes. Drive continuous improvement across operational systems including transport, ICT, administration, and infrastructure to support high-quality learning environments. Ensure the stewardship of the built environment through proactive maintenance, renovation projects, safety initiatives, and strategic capital works planning.

Human Resources

Provide leadership and support to administrative and non-teaching staff by streamlining recruitment processes, fostering a culture of wellbeing, succession planning and implementing effective performance management and professional development frameworks. Advocate for the integration of technology and accessibility solutions to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Efficiency and Technology

Drive operational and educational efficiency by enhancing ICT infrastructure, deploying tailored school technology solutions, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into administrative and learning processes. Lead the end-to-end management of ICT and AI tools including selection, implementation, training, and ongoing support to optimise performance and outcomes across the school.

Stewardship of the Built Environment

The Director of Business Operations and Strategy is responsible for the care, safety, and optimal functioning of the school's buildings, grounds, and learning environments. This role takes a proactive approach to maintenance and asset management, ensuring all facilities are managed sustainably and with strategic foresight to support long-term educational excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work in close collaboration with the Principal, Executive Team, and community partners to advance the school's strategic objectives, while cultivating strong, purposeful relationships with educational institutions, local community, and business stakeholders.

Financial Management

Oversee the school's operational budget, encompassing financial planning, strategic resource allocation, and the delivery of key projects. Ensure resources are aligned with the School's priorities, while proactively identifying and managing risks across all operational areas to maintain sustainability and performance.

Strategic Planning

Play an integral role in shaping, executing, and continuously evaluating the school's strategic plan, with a dedicated focus on business operations and infrastructure particularly the expansion and development of satellite classes.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory standards across all non-teaching domains including human resources, ICT, and finance, while actively managing operational risks to uphold a safe, efficient, and supportive learning environment.

ABOUT YOU

The School's core values are Joy, Community, Courage and Truth.  As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned with these values.

To be successful for this role, the following experience, skills and attributes are essential.​​​​​​:

• Demonstrated experience in operational leadership and management within education, property, infrastructure, or commercial settings.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: education, legal, construction, or ICT.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across all areas of school leadership and staff.
• Outstanding organisational abilities, including strategic planning and the successful delivery of complex projects.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead and navigate organisational change with strategic foresight and resilience. Skilled in engaging stakeholders, communicating vision, and fostering buy-in to ensure smooth transitions.
• Demonstrate a high level of ability to articulate strategic and operational issues and perspectives in communication with staff particularly in public forums.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative, and supportive learning and working environments.
• Proven leadership capability with an aptitude for motivating and guiding operations teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address and resolve operational challenges effectively.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• A current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• A preparedness to embrace the ethos and values of St Lucy's School.

EXTRA BENEFITS OF WORKING AT ST LUCY'S

• As a Public Benevolent Institution, we can offer to package up to $15,899 of your salary as a tax-free fringe benefit and this will increase your take home salary.
• We offer Novated Leasing, this is a financial arrangement used to salary package a motor vehicle.
• Fitness Passport Program membership opportunities.
• Close to public transport on Sydney's beautiful North Shore.
• Onsite Car Parking available.
• Personal Well-Being Initiatives and access to Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional Development Plans.
• Other Employee Benefits

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please upload your covering letter and resume on Seek.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Covering Letter addressed to the Principal, David Raphael which details:

• Your experience in operational leadership, and

• Your vision for overseeing the school's business operations with a focus on alignment to teaching and learning.

For confidential enquiries or to request the full Position Description, please contact the Principal's Executive Assistant on

The school is committed to the National Safeguarding Principles for Child Safe Organisations.  To ensure the safeguarding of our students, all successful applicants will be required to have a current Working with Children Check.  In addition, included throughout the recruitment process are checks of suitability for employment with children.

St Lucy's School policy requires staff to have received two (2) Covid-19 vaccine doses.

Applications close on Monday 20 October 2025.