Influence future workforce models in a changing sector Shape proactive, value-adding ER services and solutions Lead complex enterprise bargaining across member schools About Independent Schools Queensland Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) is the peak body supporting 239 member schools across Queensland. Working closely with school leaders, boards and employing authorities, ISQ provides advice, services and advocacy to help schools navigate an evolving education, compliance and workforce landscape. As a recognised and respected brand in the sector, ISQ plays an important role in supporting school choice, diversity and strong educational outcomes across Queensland. We represent a diverse range of member schools across Queensland, from small community schools to large Prep to Year 12 schools and cater for families from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. Our mission is to champion independent education and to support independent schools to serve their communities. ISQ is a non-profit membership organisation with more than 50 years’ experience at the forefront of education innovation. About the Role Reporting to the Director, Education & School Services, the Deputy Director, Employee Relations, is a senior leadership role responsible for leading ISQ’s Employee Relations team and providing strategic and operational advice to the independent schooling sector in Queensland. The remit spans enterprise bargaining, workplace change, policy development, confidential member advice, sector research and representation of Queensland independent schools’ interests on industrial matters. This is more than a traditional ER role. It is an opportunity to help shape how independent schools respond to workforce change, evolving employment models and the broader future of education. ISQ is seeking a leader who can combine technical credibility with a more forward-facing approach, helping member schools navigate not only current industrial matters, but also the issues that will define their workforce settings over the coming years. You will step directly into live enterprise bargaining matters, build credibility quickly with member schools and provide trusted advice in a complex and dynamic environment. At the same time, the role has a broader mandate to work across ISQ, ensuring employee relations expertise is better connected to adjacent service areas and brought to bear on wider workforce, compliance and organisational issues affecting schools. The opportunity is to help ISQ take a more proactive position with its members by translating emerging issues into practical advice, professional learning, stronger service offerings and high-value support for schools. As a member of the ISQ Executive Team, you will contribute beyond the function itself, building capability, strengthening integration across the organisation and helping shape a more connected, contemporary and solutions-focused service for the sector. Key aspects of the role include: Leading the Employee Relations team and overseeing core ER services Supporting enterprise bargaining and workplace change across member schools Providing high-quality, risk-aware advice on complex ER matters Building strong relationships with principals, senior staff and boards Working across ISQ to integrate ER more closely with adjacent service areas Identifying opportunities to expand value-adding services for members About You You are an experienced ER leader with deep technical capability, sound judgement and the credibility to operate in complex, unionised environments. You bring demonstrated experience in negotiating and drafting enterprise agreements, advising across the full spectrum of employee relations matters, and leading teams through demanding, high-stakes work. You are also highly relational, commercially aware and able to engage confidently across a diverse member base. You understand how to build trust, provide practical and credible advice and position specialist expertise in a way that is accessible, valued and responsive to member needs. Experience in a school setting would be highly regarded, though ISQ is open to candidates from adjacent sectors who can quickly establish themselves in this environment. You will demonstrate: Significant leadership experience in employee relations or industrial relations Strong enterprise bargaining capability in unionised environments Sound knowledge of workplace relations legislation, particularly the Fair Work Act 2009 Experience advising on performance, conduct, conflict, restructures and compliance matters High-level stakeholder engagement skills across executive, operational and external audiences A collaborative leadership style and the ability to work effectively across functions Tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, Law and/or Human Resources ISQ offers a flexible, accountable and highly collaborative environment, with an expectation that its leaders are visible, approachable and committed to delivering value for member schools. Please visit the detailed candidate page for further information and to apply: > General inquiries to : Confidential inquiries to: Bruno Costa, Associate, Luminary, on or via email Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 12th April 2026 Luminary is committed to storing and utilising your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For further information regarding this please visit: >
