EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS QUEENSLAND (CSPQ)

After 25 years with Catholic School Parents Queensland the Executive Director, Carmel Nash OAM is retiring from the role.

Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) now seeks a highly motivated Executive Director to guide the organisation into its next chapter.

CSPQ has been established for 65 years and is committed to advocating for families to take their rightful place as partners in their children’s and young people’s education. CSPQ leads Family engagement in learning and wellbeing to make a difference in the lives and futures of our families and schools. We advocate with Catholic Education Authorities, governments – state and federal, and other bodies to give a voice to families in Catholic Schools in Queensland.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of CSPQ
• Work strategically and collaboratively with Catholic education authorities, diocesan and local school parent bodies, government, and multiple other stakeholders
• Represent CSPQ in forums, committees, working groups, and other appropriate settings
• Prepare high-quality submissions, policy responses, reports, and advocacy materials for government and other organisations
• Manage the Secretariat and the finances of CSPQ
• Report to and support the Board to deliver strategic priorities
• Be responsive to local and diocesan parent bodies and individual families and assist with conflict resolution
• Develop conferences, events, and engagement initiatives across Queensland for Archdiocesan and diocesan parent bodies.
• Promote the mission, profile, and impact of CSPQ through effective communication and media engagement
• Monitor emerging issues affecting families, schools, and education policy

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to lead and strengthen the engagement of families in children’s and young people’s learning and wellbeing.
• Strong understanding of, and commitment to, the ethos and values of the Catholic Church and Catholic education.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into organisational priorities.
• Understanding of the education sector and government policy and decision-making environments and structures at local, diocesan and state and federal levels.
• Awareness of political and stakeholder environments relevant to education policy and advocacy.
• Highly developed ability to engage, educate, and influence stakeholders to advance Catholic education and the role of families.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of submissions, policy responses, and advocacy materials.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team.
• Experience working effectively with a Board in a governance setting.
• Financial acumen, including budget development and financial oversight.
• Experience representing an organisation in external forums, including government, media, and stakeholder settings.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a proactive continuous improvement mindset

Employment Details

This is a full-time executive role requiring flexibility for evening and weekend commitments, together with regular intrastate and interstate travel.

Remuneration will be negotiated commensurate with skills and experience.

Applications

Applications should include

• A cover letter of application addressing the selection criteria
• A full CV including relevant work history and any qualifications
• Contact details of three referees

A copy of the Position Description and Selection Criteria can be accessed at:

CSPQ Executive Director 2026

Applications close: COB Friday, June 19 2026

For confidential enquiries, please contact Carmel Nash 0421 633 915

Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected]