Lead Partner- Strategic Finance and Resource Development

Hunter Christian School; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Christian School seeks a Lead Partner – Strategic Finance and Resource Development to shape the financial strategy and secure resources for the school’s mission. This on-site role partners with senior leaders to align budgeting, forecasting, and capital campaigns with the school’s Christian purpose and growth objectives.

You will lead fundraising, grants, and partnerships while ensuring robust financial governance, reporting, and risk management to support learning environments and

Qualifications

• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Strategic planning and resource development experience, including fundraising and partnerships.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and risk management capabilities.
• Familiarity with accounting systems and education/not-for-profit finance advantageous.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven leadership and project management experience.
• Alignment with Christian ethos and mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning.
• Oversee resource development initiatives: fundraising, grants, partnerships, capital campaigns.
• Prepare financial reports for leadership and governance bodies.
• Monitor cash flow and compliance; support risk management and governance.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to optimise financial sustainability and school improvement.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in finance or accounting

Tools

Accounting systems

Job description

At Hunter Christian School, we believe great schools are built on strong foundations: faithful vision, wise stewardship and sustainable growth. As our Lead Partner – Strategic Finance and Resource Development, you will help shape the future of a community where faith and learning go hand in hand and every student is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. This is more than a finance role. It's a chance to turn strategy into lasting impact by guiding financial planning, strengthening resources, building partnerships and finding the funding that will make our vision for the next generation possible. You'll work with leaders who value integrity, collaboration and innovation, and your expertise will directly support learning environments, programs and opportunities that change young lives. If you want to use your gifts for something meaningful and to lead with purpose, we invite you to join us in building a school that serves families today and makes an impact for generations to come.

Company Description

Hunter Christian School is a Pre Kinder to Year 12 learning community that views every student as uniquely created, inherently valuable, and called to a meaningful purpose. The school delivers education within a Christian framework, partnering with families to develop students’ values, knowledge, and skills for academic, vocational, spiritual, and personal success. Teaching and learning are focused on helping each student discover, equip, and pursue their lifelong passion and purpose. A distinctive feature of the school is its close-knit community of care, which enables staff to know each student well and support their individual educational and personal goals.

Role Description

The Lead Partner – Strategic Finance and Resource Development is a full-time, on-site role based in Warabrook, NSW. This position is responsible for leading the school’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning aligned with the school’s mission and growth objectives. The role oversees resource development initiatives such as fundraising, grants, partnerships, and capital campaigns, and ensures effective stewardship of financial and physical assets. Day-to-day tasks include preparing financial reports for leadership and governance bodies, monitoring cash flow and compliance obligations, and collaborating with senior leaders on strategic projects and risk management. The Lead Partner works closely with internal and external stakeholders to optimise financial sustainability, support school improvement initiatives, and contribute to a culture of transparency, accountability, and Christian service.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Experience in strategic planning and resource development, including fundraising, grant acquisition, and partnership building.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities, with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and financial compliance requirements; familiarity with education or not-for-profit finance is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, families, and external partners.
• Proven leadership and team coordination experience, including mentoring staff and managing projects to completion.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in finance, accounting, business, or a related discipline.
• Alignment with the Christian ethos of the school and willingness to support its faith-based values and community-focused mission.