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.

Education recruitment specialists

Q: 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.

Universities, independent schools and RTOs. Non-academic roles in P&C, marketing, advancement, operations, finance and compliance, through to GM and divisional head.

What purpose-driven means in education

In education, purpose-driven means shaping futures. Whether it's a university, an independent school or an RTO, your non-academic leaders enable the educators to do their best work - and protect the institution's reputation while they do.

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

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Roles we place across the Education sector

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People & culture

Head of People & Culture
Human Resources Manager
HR Business Partner
People & Culture Manager
Organisational Development Manager

Operations & executive

General Manager / Divisional Head
General Manager, Student Services
Project Manager / Project Lead
Executive Coordinator
Finance Manager / Financial Controller
Compliance Manager (ASQA / RTO)

Communications

Communications Manager
Community Engagement Manager
Marketing Manager
Advancement & Alumni Manager
Manager, First Nations Strategy

Services

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Frequently asked questions about Education recruitment

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What types of education roles does Patterson Recruitment place?

We place senior specialists and leaders across people & culture, operations, communications, finance, compliance, and executive functions within universities, independent schools and RTOs. Typical roles include General Managers, HR Managers, Project Leads, Compliance Managers, Communications Managers, and Advancement Managers. We focus on non-academic and operational leadership rather than 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.

Do you recruit for RTOs?

Yes. We work with Registered Training Organisations on non-academic leadership appointments - including operational, compliance, P&C, marketing and finance roles. We understand the ASQA Quality Standards, AQF requirements, and the funding-and-compliance pressures that RTO leaders navigate.