Founded in 1950 by the Uniting Church and located on The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, Cromwell College is a respected co-educational residential community with a rich heritage and a clear future ambition. It is a place where academic aspiration, leadership, service and personal growth are nurtured in a supportive and values-led environment.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, we invite applications for the role of Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established college community while shaping its next phase of strategic, financial and cultural evolution.
The Role
The CEO is accountable to the Board for the overall stewardship and performance of the College, providing strong commercial, organisational and community leadership. This is a residential role, with an on-campus residence provided, and calls for a visible, engaged leader who is energised by campus life and inspired by the development of young adults.
Cromwell’s strength lies in its community. The CEO will nurture strong relationships with current students, staff and families, while actively engaging alumni and past community members as ambassadors and advocates. You will bring genuine warmth, visibility and relational depth to these connections.
The next CEO will lead the implementation of the current Strategic Plan and the development of the 2026 to 2028 Strategic Plan. A key priority will be strengthening financial sustainability through thoughtful funding strategies, disciplined financial management and contemporary revenue diversification.
Critically, the role will oversee current and future capital works and infrastructure renewal related to the Master Plan.
The CEO will also play a pivotal role in philanthropic engagement and advancement activity. Working closely with the Cromwell Foundation, alumni and donors, you will deepen a culture of giving, articulate a compelling case for support and build sustainable funding pipelines to enable future growth.
You will also strengthen external partnerships with The University of Queensland, Uniting Church and other key stakeholders, philanthropic partners and the broader residential college network. This requires a leader who is confident in boardrooms, comfortable in donor conversations and equally at ease speaking with students over dinner.
The College welcomes leaders whose personal values align with its heritage and enduring commitment to service, integrity, inclusion and community. Respect for the College’s foundations and traditions is essential, together with the ability to lead in a contemporary and diverse environment.
The CEO will ensure the highest standards of governance, compliance and risk management, including work health and safety and duty of care. You will lead and develop a capable team, foster a positive workplace culture and maintain a strong academic tutorial framework.
You will be a visible champion of student wellbeing, safety and leadership development, creating an environment where young people feel known, supported and challenged to achieve their best.
About You
We are seeking a relational and strategic executive leader who brings:
- Significant senior leadership experience, ideally in education, residential communities, human services or similar
- Demonstrated experience leading funding strategies, major fundraising or advancement initiatives, and building trusted donor and stakeholder relationships with a focus on financial sustainability
- Proven capability in Master Plan delivery, capital projects management and infrastructure oversight, including planning, procurement and delivery
- Strong financial acumen and experience stewarding organisational resources responsibly
- A track record of engaging constructively with Boards and contributing to sound governance
- Exceptional communication skills and the presence to inspire confidence across diverse audiences
- A genuine interest in mentoring and supporting emerging leaders
Cromwell College warmly encourages applications from leaders of diverse backgrounds and experiences who align to the College ethos. We are particularly interested in leaders who have completed post graduate qualifications, combine commercial discipline with emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to community impact.
This is an opportunity to lead with head and heart. To steward a proud institution. And to shape a residential experience that will influence generations of students to come.
Applicant Resources
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter (word format) by selecting the ‘apply now’ function.
Applications Close Sunday 15 March 2026
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Contact Us
Confidential enquiries are welcome – please contact Natasha Olsson-Seeto or Jay Baxter on (07) 3305 5800.
General Enquiries
Got a question about this role? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.
