Independent Schools Queensland
is now accepting applications for
Deputy Director Employee Relations
Applications close midnight, Sunday 12th April 2026
Overview
About ISQ
Queensland independent schools are not-for-profit education institutions that are as diverse as the students they educate and the communities they serve.
Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) is a not-for-profit peak body, dedicated to championing independent schools across the state.
We represent over 230 diverse member schools across Queensland, and these range 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.
We are committed to:
enhancing school-wide performance, robust governance and improved student outcomes
promoting excellence and leading research in education-related public policy
delivering quality professional learning
fostering collaboration and continual growth across the sector
being a united and powerful voice for Queensland independent schooling.
ISQ is governed by a Board of Directors and day-to-day operations are managed by CEO, Christopher Mountford, an executive team and more than 40 staff based in its Brisbane (Southbank) office.
ISQ's Board of Directors is chaired by Dr Phillip Moulds OAM. The Board has various associated committees.
ISQ Employment Benefits
ISQ’s greatest asset is our people. We recognise the importance of creating a great place to work with a positive culture and excellent work environment. ISQ offers a range of benefits, which are outlined below. All benefits are subject to ISQ’s policies and procedures.
Flexible Working ISQ offers the opportunity for all employees to submit a request for flexible working arrangements including a nine-day fortnight.
Working Offsite In addition to flexible working, ISQ operates a hybrid working model, allowing employees to request to work up to two days a week from their chosen off-site location.
Salary Packaging As a not-for-profit organisation, ISQ offers employees the opportunity to salary package up to $15,900 from their annual salary for several expenses such as rent, mortgage, groceries and novated car leases. Employees can also request to make additional superannuation contributions via salary sacrifice.
Additional Special Paid Leave All employees are provided with special paid leave for the days they would normally work between Christmas and New Year when ISQ’s offices will be closed.
Early Access to Long Service Leave In recognition of their commitment and hard work, employees at ISQ are granted early access to their long service leave after completing seven years continuous service.
ISQ Paid Parental Leave For eligible employees, ISQ provides up to 12 weeks paid parental leave at full pay, which can also be taken as 24 weeks half pay. This is in addition to any statutory parental leave pay an employee may be eligible for from the government.
Fun & Wellbeing ISQ’s Fun & Wellbeing committee organises a range of events aimed at the physical, social and mental/emotional wellbeing of our employees. For example, picnic in the park, lunch and learn sessions, R U OK Day, recognition of significant cultural dates such as NAIDOC week. We also have an annual staff party in December.
EAP ISQ provides a confidential 24/7 EAP service through Assure Care for employees and their family members.
Discounted Corporate Health Insurance ISQ partners with Medibank who offer employees a discount on hospital and extras health insurance.
Professional Development ISQ provides a professional development budget each for staff to be able to undertake important short courses and/or relevant sector conferences. ISQ also supports the study of relevant formal qualifications.
Professional Membership Some professional memberships are important to the roles we carry out and the work we do at ISQ, and where this is the case, ISQ will reimburse the costs of professional membership.
Values In Action Awards ISQ acknowledges and reward those individuals who demonstrate our values through their work and behaviour. Each month staff can nominate others for an award and the winners are announced and presented with a gift card at each monthly staff meeting.
Service Anniversary Recognition We enjoy celebrating our long serving employees and acknowledging the value and experience that these individuals bring to our organisation and our members. Gift cards are presented to employees at the monthly all staff meeting after every five years of service.
Organisational Principles
ISQ and its staff are committed to providing:
responsive leadership through intentional response to the needs of members
reflective practices through a continuous improvement culture based on action research
respect for choice and diversity in a culture of professional service excellence in education by all schools for all students.
About the Role
Deputy Director Employee Relations
Your opportunity
The Deputy Director, Employee Relations leads a team of Employee Relations professionals to provide leadership and advice, both strategic and operational, on Employee Relations matters pertaining to the independent schooling sector in Queensland. Leadership responsibilities include broad stakeholder engagement; provision of both strategic and operational advice; enterprise bargaining negotiations and advice; critical assessment and advice on employee relations policy and practice within the sector; building employee relations capacity within the sector through supporting school professionals; and research of key strategic issues impacting the sector.
Your Responsibilities
The Deputy Director, Employee Relations is responsible for, but not limited to:
Team Leadership and Development – Leading, managing, and supporting the ISQ Employee Relations team of Senior Advisors and Advisors, and actively participating in cross-organisational continuous improvement initiatives as a member of the ISQ Executive Team.
Member Advisory Services – Providing confidential, high-quality employee relations advice and guidance to member schools through telephone, written, face-to-face, and online channels, including regular school visits to support workplace change and strategy implementation.
Enterprise Bargaining and Workplace Relations – Overseeing and delivering fee-for-service enterprise agreement negotiations, and leading sector-wide support on workplace relations models, structures, and employment arrangements.
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management – Building and maintaining positive relationships with principals, senior staff, school board members, and a broad range of stakeholders, and representing Queensland independent schools' interests, including submissions to the Fair Work Commission.
Research, Policy, and Sector Leadership – Leading research into employee relations trends, facilitating the development of policy positions, and sharing information with independent school authorities on current and emerging workplace issues.
Service Development and Continuous Improvement – Identifying opportunities to expand and improve service offerings, working collaboratively across the organisation to ensure integrated and consistent delivery of services and education policy outcomes.
Other duties as directed from time to time.
What We Are Looking For
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A minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing a team of Employee Relations Specialists in the delivery of ER services.
A comprehensive working knowledge of relevant workplace relations legislation, with a focus on the Fair Work Act 2009;
Demonstrated ability in negotiating, drafting and approval of enterprise agreements in unionised workplaces;
Demonstrated ability in assisting employers in the full range of employee relations matters including:
Contracts of employment
Award/enterprise agreement interpretation and compliance
Managing underperformance and misconduct
Disciplinary matters and termination of employment
Restructure and redundancy
Bullying and harassment
Managing ill and injured workers
The ability to assist employers with the management of workplace conflict and conciliation at industrial tribunals;
Demonstrated ability providing a high-quality expert consultancy service, with a strong emphasis on the ability to lead and manage workplace relations matters;
Demonstrated ability in delivering ER guidance and advice based on sound judgment, assessment of risk and consideration of diverse school views and perspectives.
Experience in the education sector and in generalist HR is advantageous although not essential.
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Tertiary Qualifications in Industrial Relations, Law and/or Human Resources.
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High levels of credibility, integrity and trust;
Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, together with drafting ability and presentation skills;
The ability to effectively and positively lead a team of employee relations advisors as well as the ability to work autonomously on specific projects and initiatives; and
Present a professional image of ISQ and our member schools.
How to Apply
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement below.
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.
Applications close midnight, Sunday 12th April 2026
Useful Links
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Living in Brisbane
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Living in Queensland
Confidential Enquiries
BRUNO COSTA
Associate
