- Drive AI and digital innovation across a leading independent P–12 school
- Influence teaching, learning, operations and strategy at an executive level
- Inspire staff and students to embrace the future of education
About the Role
Technology is changing education faster than ever before.
At Canberra Grammar School, we are not interested in simply keeping pace—we are committed to leading the conversation.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our Head of Digital Innovation & AI Strategy—a newly created leadership role that will transform how artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation enhance every aspect of school life.
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Operations, you will work alongside senior leaders to embed AI and digital capability across our P–12 community, shaping everything from classroom practice and operational excellence to governance, student programs and future strategy.
If you are passionate about harnessing emerging technologies to create meaningful impact—and you thrive leading change in complex organisations—this is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
As the Head of Digital Innovation & AI Strategy, you will:
- Develop and deliver the School's Digital Innovation and AI Strategy
- Lead the implementation of AI across teaching, learning and business operations
- Equip teachers and professional staff with the confidence and capability to embrace emerging technologies
- Drive organisation-wide innovation projects that improve the experience of students, families and staff
- Lead AI governance, ethical practice, academic integrity and responsible data stewardship.
- Grow innovative student programs, including CGS Code Cadets, and create new opportunities for students to develop future-ready skills
- Build partnerships with universities, industry and research organisations
- Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities that position Canberra Grammar School at the forefront of educational innovation
- Champion a culture where curiosity, experimentation and continuous improvement become part of everyday practice.
About You
You are a visionary leader who understands that successful digital transformation is fundamentally about people.
You combine strategic thinking with practical execution and have a proven ability to inspire others, simplify complexity and build confidence in change.
You will bring:
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, digital technologies, information systems, innovation, organisational change or a related field.
- Senior-level experience leading digital, AI, innovation and technology-enabled practice in a complex school or comparable organisation, with demonstrated impact on staff capability, administrative, operational and education outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience leading implementation and change across academic and operational contexts, including digital systems, workflow improvement or AI-enabled practice.
- Deep, current knowledge of AI in education and digital practice, ideally with pedagogical integration experience, academic integrity, staff capability, ethical use, governance and emerging tools and platforms.
- Demonstrated experience designing and leading professional learning, coaching or capability-building approaches that strengthen staff confidence, judgement and practice.
- Strong understanding of ethical, legal and safeguarding considerations related to AI, data privacy and digital practice in an education context.
Desirable Attributes
- Understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum across a P–12 environment, including the IB Continuum and the HSC.
- Experience leading or contributing to innovation portfolios, including evaluation, scaling, redesign and retirement of initiatives.
- Experience using data, research or evidence-informed review to evaluate impact and guide decision-making in educational settings.
- Experience in co-curricular or extension programme design, particularly in technology-rich, STEM or innovation-focused domains.
- Established contribution to external partnerships or sector engagement through publication, speaking, practitioner research, or collaboration with universities, industry, research centres or peer schools.
Personal Qualities
- Pedagogical and strategic judgement: Demonstrates strong educational judgement and the ability to connect digital, AI and innovation work to high-quality teaching, learning and student outcomes.
- Execution and accountability: Brings clarity, follow-through and disciplined implementation, with the capacity to translate strategy into consistent practice, monitor progress and deliver against agreed priorities.
- Ethical judgement and integrity: Exercises sound judgement in complex and emerging contexts, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, academic integrity, privacy, responsible AI use and the School’s values.
- Relational influence: Builds trust, credibility and shared ownership across academic, operational and leadership teams, and can lead through influence, partnership and professional respect rather than line authority.
- Innovation with discipline: Approaches innovation with curiosity and rigour, using evidence, evaluation and clear decision-making to strengthen, scale, redesign or retire initiatives as required.
- Communication and credibility: Communicates with clarity, confidence and professional warmth, and can represent the School credibly with staff, students, families and external partners.
- Adaptability and resilience: Maintains calm, sound judgement and professional composure when navigating ambiguity, change, competing priorities and organisational complexity.
- Commitment to students and community: Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the holistic development of students and to the flourishing of the School community within an inclusive Anglican ethos.
All team members at CGS are required to have:
- Appropriate qualifications
- A valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People Card
- A current National Police Check; and
- 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 and annual influenza vaccinations
- 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program
- 14 weeks of paid parental leave (for permanent team members)
- School fee concessions (for permanent team members)
- Free onsite parking
Working at CGS
Canberra Grammar School is a vibrant and welcoming community where people are encouraged to think boldly, challenge convention and pursue excellence.
Our people are passionate educators, professionals and innovators who place student learning and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.
We are continuously growing our CGS community with people who are passionate and energetic in their profession and who place student learning and well-being at the forefront of all they do.
How to Apply
Please refer to the position description below and submit the following documents:
- Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria in the Position Description)
- Resume/CV
Canberra Grammar School is committed to child safety and the wellbeing of every child. All appointments are subject to child protection screening and assessment in accordance with the School's recruitment processes.
Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the School reserves the right to close this advertisement early should a suitable candidate be identified.
