Director of People and Culture

At Mount Scopus Memorial College, we believe that behind every thriving student is a supported, inspired, and valued team of educators and operational staff. We are a warm, values-driven independent Jewish day school dedicated to academic excellence, rich tradition, and a strong sense of belonging.

Guided by our strategic vision, Mount Scopus Horizons, our community centres on Jewish Pride and Commitment, Connection, Contribution, Empowered Learning and Agency, Professional Practice and Development, and Sustainable Growth.

We are seeking an authentic, strategic, and people oriented Director of People & Culture to join our team.

You do not necessarily need to come from an education background. We warmly welcome applications from senior HR leaders with experience in commercial business, corporate environments, or broader industry sectors, provided you bring a genuine appreciation for the unique rhythm and heart of an educational community.

From enriching our workplace culture to guiding our people through our exciting upcoming relocation to Caulfield, your leadership will directly shape the future of our College.

• Cultivating Culture & Strategy: Translate our College vision into an empowering people strategy that fosters psychological safety, personal resilience, and a supportive workplace environment.

• Guiding Strategic Change: Formulate and lead the People & Organisational Change Strategy for our move to Caulfield, placing workforce continuity, transparent consultation, and staff retention at the heart of the transition.

• Industrial Relations & Engagement: Serve as the primary lead in renegotiating our Enterprise Agreement (EA), chair the Consultative Committee, and build collaborative, trusting relationships with staff and unions.

• Attracting & Retaining Exceptional Talent: Elevate our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) to attract top teaching and operational talent in a competitive market, building university partnerships and sustainable talent pipelines.

• Coaching & Capability Building: Coach heads of school and department leaders to build confidence in team leadership, constructive feedback, and proactive workload management.

• Systems, Data & Operational Oversight: Guide our team to modernise HR tech systems, oversee physical and psychosocial safety under Victorian OHS regulations, and provide actionable analytics to the College Board.

What You Bring to the Role

• Senior HR Leadership: Extensive experience leading HR strategy and operations within commercial business, industry, or complex community-focused sectors.

• Appreciation for Education: A strong curiosity and appreciation for the operational nuances, values, and community dynamics of a K-12 school environment.

• Industrial Relations Expertise: Proven success leading Enterprise Agreement negotiations, facilitating Consultative Committees, and managing complex employee relations with fairness and empathy.

• Strategic & Creative Talent Mindset: Capability to design innovative recruitment strategies, build employer branding, and plan for future workforce needs.

• Data & Systems Savvy: Experience using HR technology and workforce data to streamline operations and inform executive decision-making.

• Cultural Alignment: Authenticity, empathy, and a deep commitment to supporting the Jewish ethos, values, and vibrant community spirit of Mount Scopus.

Mandatory Child Safety & Compliance Requirements

Mount Scopus Memorial College is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all children and young people. As Director of People & Culture, you will maintain executive operational oversight of child safety compliance across all staff, contractors, and volunteers.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate:

• Victorian Child Safe Standards: Strong operational understanding and strict enforcement of Ministerial Order No. 1359 (MO1359).

• Reportable Conduct Governance: Hands-on experience with reporting obligations, compliance management, and overseeing workplace investigations under the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme.

• Mandatory Clearances: Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance.

• Screening & Verification: Willingness to undergo rigorous pre-employment screening, including identity verification, national police checks, qualification checks, and detailed reference checking.

Mount Scopus Memorial College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Being Jewish is not a prerequisite for employment, although a worldview that is sympathetic to the Jewish ethos is essential.

To view the Position Description, please click here. Should you require further information, please contact Maria Di Paolo, People & Culture Administrator on (*************.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced People & Culture leader looking to make a meaningful difference in a thriving community, we would love to hear from you. Please click on the “Apply Now” button to complete the Application Form and attach your resume along with a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role to Maria Di Paolo, People and Culture Administrator

Mount Scopus Memorial College fully complies with Child Safe Standards. All candidates for roles at the College are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards as part of the recruitment process. Please note that the College may require additional background checks.

Applications Close: 5 PM Friday, 9 October 2026