Director of Graduate Pathways & Careers I Commencing Term, 1 2027
Cranbrook School is seeking an experienced and inspiring careers and pathways leader to join the School as Director of Graduate Pathways & Careers, Senior School, commencing Term 1, 2027.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The role will be offered as a full-time, continuing appointment and is based at the Senior School campus in Bellevue Hill.
The Director of Graduate Pathways & Careers leads the School’s Pathways and Careers program, providing careers education, guidance and pathways advice to students in the Senior School. The Director supports students in Years 7 to 12 to make informed decisions about their subject choices, further study and work after school, and works closely with students, parents, teaching staff and external providers to build each student’s confidence, aspirations and readiness for life beyond Cranbrook.
Key aspects of the role include providing individual careers counselling and guidance; developing and coordinating a sequential careers education program, including group sessions and workshops; and advising students and families on university, vocational education and training, apprenticeship, traineeship, gap year, international study and direct employment pathways. The Director supports students with applications and admissions processes, including the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), early entry and scholarship programs, portfolios, auditions and interviews, and provides accurate and current information about HSC requirements, ATAR calculation and alternative entry pathways. The Director liaises with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) on HSC requirements and advice to students and families.
The Director also organises careers expos, university and industry visits, information evenings, guest speakers and mentoring programs, and coordinates work experience and work exposure programs. They build and maintain strong relationships with universities, vocational providers, employers, industry bodies, the Old Cranbrookians’ Association and the parent community, and use post-school destination data to evaluate and continuously improve the program.
ABOUT YOU
You are a knowledgeable, personable and well-organised careers professional with a strong understanding of Australian tertiary admissions, vocational education, and training pathways and the NSW senior secondary curriculum. You build trust with students, parents and staff, and you present confidently to students, parents and external audiences.
You have strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and coordinate events and programs, and you are skilled at building networks with universities, employers and industry. You work collaboratively with the Head of Senior School, Heads of House, Heads of Department, the Counselling team and Learning Support, and you are committed to the School’s values, ethos and pastoral care framework.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Tertiary qualification in Career Development, Education, Psychology or a related field
Demonstrated experience providing careers guidance and pathways advice to adolescents
Sound knowledge of Australian tertiary admissions, vocational education and training pathways and the NSW senior secondary curriculum
Working knowledge of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements, including HSC rules
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with students, parents and staff
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and coordinate events and programs
Ability to present confidently to students, parents and external audiences
Commitment to the School’s values, ethos and pastoral care framework
A firm commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
A demonstrated understanding of child safety and appropriate behaviours when engaging with children
Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) – NSW, or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
A postgraduate qualification in Career Development or Career Education is highly desirable
Current membership of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) is highly desirable
Experience working in a school setting, ideally an independent school, is desirable
Established networks with universities, employers and industry are desirable
Experience coordinating work experience, mentoring or alumni programs is desirable
Experience with careers software and information and communication technology (ICT) platforms is desirable
CLOSING DATE:
4:00 PM on Monday, 16 November 2026
ABOUT CRANBROOK SCHOOL
Founded in 1918, Cranbrook School is a multi-campus Anglican independent day and boarding school for students in Pre-School to Year 12. In 2026, the School welcomed girls into Years 7 and 11, with full coeducation across the campus by 2029.
Guided by its enduring vision to be a world-class school that nurtures and enables every student to fulfil their potential and thrive, Cranbrook offers a values-led education enriched by academic excellence and extensive sporting and co-curricular opportunities. The School’s motto, esse quam videri – “to be, rather than to seem to be” – underpins its commitment to authenticity, character and service. This well-rounded educational approach provides an educational experience that celebrates each individual and prepares every Cranbrookian for a purposeful life of contribution within and beyond the School gates.
Overlooking Sydney Harbour and set on approximately 13 hectares in one of Sydney’s most prestigious eastern suburbs, the School currently educates over 1,800 students across four campuses: two Pre-Schools – St Michael’s and St Mark’s – a Junior School campus in Rose Bay, and the Senior School Campus in Bellevue Hill. The School’s two Boarding Houses provide care and accommodation for 75 students from Years 7 to 12.
Cranbrook School is a child safe organisation. We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students and are committed to protecting our students from abuse and harm.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK AND WORKING RIGHTS
The successful applicant for this position will be required to hold a current NSW Working with Children Check clearance. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or hold a visa with appropriate working rights.
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Director of Graduate Pathways & Careers I Commencing Term, 1 2027 in Sydney employer: Cranbrook School
Cranbrook School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and enriching work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, teachers are encouraged to engage in meaningful work that aligns with their values and fosters positive relationships within the school community. Located in a vibrant educational setting, Cranbrook offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while actively promoting the safety and wellbeing of all students.
