Executive Assistant to the Head of School

• An opportunity to step into a high-energy, high-impact role
• Maternity Leave Contract position – January to October 2026
• Your expertise and initiative will help shape the success of the School — every single day

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the Head of School at Canberra Grammar School — one of the most prominent, dynamic, and respected independent schools in the nation's capital. With over 2,200 students, 700 staff, and an engaged, far-reaching community, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values excellence, integrity, and innovation.

In this highly visible and trusted role, you will provide strategic and administrative support to the Head of School, helping to drive the smooth and effective operation of the School's leadership functions. You'll manage the Head's workflow, coordinate meetings and travel, prepare briefings, oversee correspondence, and anticipate needs in a fast-paced and confidential environment.

As the first point of contact for many internal and external stakeholders — including board members, senior leaders, staff, parents, and students — you will represent the professionalism, warmth, and culture of CGS in every interaction.

About You

You are an accomplished, discreet, and highly organised professional who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments. You bring initiative, judgment, and a proactive mindset to every task:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience at a Senior Executive Assistant level, ideally including:

• Experience in project administration

• Effective management of highly confidential information

• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector (desirable)

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, including:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

• Aptitude for learning new IT systems such as those used at the School (CGS Connect, Synergetic)
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including spelling, punctuation and grammatical accuracy

• Impeccable attention to detail including in following procedures, ensuring high quality output and taking action where required

• Appropriate qualifications and certification, including:

• A relevant tertiary degree or qualification (desirable)

• Current First Aid and CPR Qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card and a valid Police Check

• Full working rights within Australia

• A proactive, flexible and versatile attitude that is responsive to changing priorities, including:

• The ability to plan, organise, prioritise, schedule, use available resources, drive workflow, problem solve, manage competing deadlines

• The ability to work flexible hours to enable important tasks and high priorities to be completed within exacting timeframes

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including:

• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team

• Diplomacy, sensitivity and integrity
• A personable and approachable nature with the ability to communicate effectively with all people across the organisation

Benefits for you

As a CGS team member, you have access to a range of additional benefits, including:

• A highly competitive salary and superannuation of 13.5% (for permanent team members)
• Staff awards program and generous professional development funding
• Attractive salary packaging arrangements
• Complimentary daily barista-made coffee
• Delicious daily morning tea and discounted lunches
• Access to the onsite health clinic and annual influenza vaccinations
• 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave
• School fee concessions
• Free onsite parking

Working at CGS

We provide a vibrant and rewarding workplace that showcases your skills with a strong commitment to your professional learning. Working at Canberra Grammar School you will join a community committed to delivering the highest standard of education, inspiring students and out team members to achieve personal excellence within a warm and inclusive environment.

We are continuously growing our CGS community with people who are passionate and energetic in their profession and who place student learning and well-being at the forefront of all they do. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disabilities and Indigenous Australians to apply.

How to Apply

Please refer to the position description below and submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
• Resume/CV

CGS is proud to be a School that takes child protection very seriously. All candidates for roles at Canberra Grammar School are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards as part of our thorough recruitment process.

An early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.