Education recruitment specialists

Senior operational and people leadership for universities and independent schools.

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About Education  Recruitment

Educational institutions are complex, multi-stakeholder organisations — governed by boards, accountable to communities, and operating in environments where culture, compliance and reputation all matter enormously.

Patterson Recruitment works with universities and independent schools to appoint senior operational and people leaders. Based in Melbourne and working with institutions nationally, we understand the governance frameworks, employment conditions and the kind of leadership that thrives in academic environments.

Roles we place across the Education sector

People & culture

  • Human Resources Manager
  • HR Business Partner
  • People & Culture Manager

Operations & executive

  • General Manager, Student Services
  • Project Manager / Project Lead
  • Executive Coordinator
  • Manager, First Nations Strategy

Communications

  • Communications Manager
  • Community Engagement Manager

Frequently asked questions about Education recruitment

What types of education roles does Patterson Recruitment place?

We place senior and mid-level operational and people leaders within universities and independent schools. Typical roles include general managers, HR managers, project leads, student services managers, and communications managers. We focus on operational leadership rather than academic or teaching positions.

Do you recruit for universities?

Yes. We have placed leaders at Monash University, University of NSW, Western Sydney University, and University of Melbourne. We understand the governance frameworks, enterprise agreements, and stakeholder complexity that university leadership requires.

Do you recruit for independent schools?

Yes. We work with independent schools on operational and people leadership appointments — HR managers, business managers, and senior operational roles. We understand the unique culture and governance of independent school environments.

What’s different about recruiting for the education sector?

Education institutions are complex, multi-stakeholder organisations with unique governance structures, employment conditions, and cultural expectations. Leaders need to navigate academic senates, student bodies, industry partners, and community stakeholders — while delivering on strategic objectives. We assess candidates for this specific type of leadership capability.

How long does an education sector search take?

Most education leadership searches take 6–10 weeks from brief to offer. University appointments can take longer due to committee-based decision-making processes. We’ll give you an honest timeline upfront.

Ready to find your next education sector leader?

Whether you’re a university or an independent school, we’d love to discuss how we can help find the right leader for your institution.

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