Director of Advancement

Location: melbourne
Job Type: permanent
Salary: Competitive remuneration package
Contact: Lauren Madden
About the company
Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak is one of Victoria’s most respected independent girls’ schools, renowned for academic excellence, strong community connections and a proud tradition grounded in faith, service and the values of Mary Ward. With around 1,200 students and a national reputation for shaping confident, compassionate young women, the school is embarking on a new strategic chapter, with the Advancement function set to play a pivotal role.

About the role
This newly created executive leadership role offers a rare opportunity to design, build and lead an integrated Advancement function at Loreto Toorak. Consolidating marketing and communications, enrolments and admissions, , alumnae and community engagement and fundraising under one portfolio, this is a future shaping appointment critical to the school’s growth, reputation and long term sustainability.

As a key member of the School’s Executive Team, reporting to the Principal, you will bring fresh thinking, strategic clarity and innovation to:
  • Develop and implement a whole-of-school Advancement strategy.
  • Reimagine marketing to strengthen Loreto’s position in a competitive independent schools’ market, with a focus on growing and sustaining enrolments.
  • Elevate alumnae engagement and community partnerships, creating meaningful lifelong connections.
  • Build fundraising maturity, including major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving and bequests, helping establish a strong culture of philanthropy.
  • Shape a dynamic, high-performing Advancement team with clear structure, accountability and shared goals.
  • Act as a considered and trusted advisor to the Principal, supporting decision making with insight, warmth and discernment.
This is an opportunity to bring new ideas, challenge the status quo and influence the next era of Loreto Toorak.

Skills & Experience
We’re seeking a strategic and innovative leader who can bring both vision and practical delivery. Ideally you will offer:
  • Executive leadership experience spanning Advancement functions, across marketing, enrolments, , alumnae and stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
  • Expertise in developing brand and marketing strategies that drive measurable growth and reputation uplift.
  • A track record building or expanding fundraising programs, with exposure to major gifts, campaigns or planned giving.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to navigate complex school communities, Boards, donors and diverse networks.
  • Respect for the faith based foundations, values and pastoral care that underpin the Loreto community.
  • A visible, engaged leadership style and a genuine desire to be part of school life, from events to community gatherings.
Why work at Loreto Toorak?
This is a rare opportunity to support shaping the future direction of one of Victoria’s most respected independent schools. You’ll join a supportive, inclusive community that values excellence, pastoral care and empowering young women. With a school open to new ideas and ready for change, you’ll have the platform to innovate, invest strategically and leave a lasting legacy.

How to apply
Click on the APPLY button or contact Lauren Madden at Six Degrees Executive on 0480 002 515 for a confidential discussion. Applications will be reviewed on submission and interviews may commence prior to closing date, so don't delay if the position is of interest to you!

Six Degrees Executive are proudly the retained partner for this talent search assignment.

Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak is a child safe employer, committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children and young people. All staff are expected to actively contribute to a child safe culture and uphold the School’s Child Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct. In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic.), all applicants engaged in child-related work must hold a valid Working with Children check or Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). These will be sighted, verified, and recorded as part of the recruitment process.

Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

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