- Shape the future of one of Australia’s most ambitious school music programmes
- Lead music across curriculum, performance, ensembles and the internationally acclaimed Snow Concert Hall
- Inspire a community where musical excellence and participation flourish together
About The Role
The Director of CGS Music provides whole-programme leadership across curriculum, ensembles, the CGS Music Programme and the Snow Concert Hall, and is accountable for the quality, coherence and strategic development of CGS Music. Music is central to the experience of every student from Pre-School to Year 12, and to the life of the School as a whole, and the Director carries responsibility for realising that commitment in full.
This is a musician-leader's role. The Director's artistic judgement, musical authority and personal standards set the tone for the programme, and the quality of CGS Music in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, tuition studios and on stage.. The role is both strategic and hands-on, and it carries regular out-of-hours commitments across the concert, rehearsal and ceremonial calendar.
About You
You are an accomplished musician, educator and leader with the artistic authority, strategic imagination and personal presence to lead and inspire an ambitious musical community.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated success leading a large and comprehensive P–12, or equivalent, music programme encompassing curriculum, ensembles, tuition and performance
- Proven artistic and educational leadership, including conducting, ensemble direction, concert programming and the establishment of high musical standards
- A strong record of leading, mentoring and developing a diverse team of musician-educators
- The ability to articulate and deliver a compelling vision that unites musical excellence, educational purpose and broad student participation
- Experience managing significant facilities, budgets, schedules and operational systems to a professional standard
- The ability to build trusted relationships with students, colleagues, families, alumni, professional artists, cultural organisations and other key stakeholders
- Demonstrated alignment with the values, ethos and traditions of a leading independent school
- Postgraduate qualifications in music performance, conducting, arts leadership, education or a related field
- Experience within a large, high-performing independent school or comparable music environment
Highly Desirable:
- Experience within a large, high-performing independent school or comparable music environment
- Demonstrated success developing an international-calibre concert series, festival or partnership programme
- Familiarity with the IB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma Programme and HSC Music frameworks
- Experience supporting philanthropy, strategic partnerships or public-facing cultural initiatives
- An active profile within national or international music and music education networks
Personal Attributes:
- Visionary artistic and educational leadership, with the capacity to inspire, challenge and unify a large professional community
- High professional standards, emotional intelligence and personal discretion, with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders
- The ability to distinguish what is strong in the programme from what needs to change, and the skills to act on that judgement
- A genuine commitment to both musical excellence and broad participation, understanding these as complementary rather than competing goals
- The organisational discipline and strategic clarity to lead a programme of this scale without losing sight of its artistic purpose
All CGS team members are required to have:
- Appropriate qualifications
- A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card
- A current National Police Check
- Full working rights within Australia
Benefits For You
As a CGS team member, you have access to a range of additional benefits, including:
- A competitive salary and superannuation of 13.5% (for permanent team members)
- Employee awards program and generous professional development funding
- Attractive salary packaging arrangements
- Complimentary daily barista-made coffee
- Delicious daily morning tea and discounted lunches
- Access to the onsite health clinic
- 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
- 14 weeks of paid parental leave
- School fee concessions (for permanent team members)
- Convenient onsite parking
Working at CGS
At Canberra Grammar School, you will join a vibrant, welcoming and forward-thinking educational community where ambitious ideas are encouraged, and exceptional teaching is valued.
You will have the opportunity to shape a Faculty, influence learning across the School and contribute to the future of education at CGS. Our educators are supported to innovate, deepen their practice and make a meaningful difference while placing student learning and wellbeing at the centre of everything they do.
How To Apply
Please refer to the position description below and click the ‘Apply’ button and submit the following documents:
- Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
- Resume/CV
Canberra Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will undergo child-safety screening and recruitment checks in accordance with the School’s Child Safe policies.
Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
Attachments:
- Director of CGS Music – Information Pack.pdf
