Assistant Director of Education

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking an ambitious Assistant Director of Education to lead improvements in education services. This senior leadership role focuses on delivering positive outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs. The successful candidate will develop strategic plans and manage key stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery. This position requires a strong background in education and proven leadership skills.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave entitlement

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Family and carer friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Staff discounts and subsidised travel passes

Qualifications

• Proven track record of improving outcomes in education, especially for SEND.
• Experience in senior school leadership, particularly in education inclusion.
• Strong management experience with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key services in education and ensure quality delivery.
• Lead strategic plans for continuous improvement.
• Manage partnerships with stakeholders and ensure effective service delivery.

Skills

Strategic leadership in education

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work in political environments

Education

Relevant degree or professional membership

Substantial equivalent experience in education

Job description

Overview

This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council as we continue to progress our improvement journey through innovation and positive change. We are committed to being ambitious in the way that we will work with children, young people, their families, and carers in a restorative way. We are investing in our services and people and putting additional resources in place to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children and young people with additional needs, including SEND. We are looking for an experienced and ambitious senior leader, who is a specialist within Education, to join us as Assistant Director of Education, to continue to improve, develop and lead our services and give our children and families the support and provision they need and deserve. Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, you will lead the vision and values we uphold to ensure that Solihull is a place where every child and young person has a great chance to succeed and achieve their full potential. As Assistant Director, you will oversee management, quality delivery and performance of key services including Education Outcomes and Intervention, Commissioning for Learning, SEND Services, and Education Inclusion, working closely with our partners and stakeholders. The role will focus on providing the leadership and expertise in ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of these services. You will develop strategic plans that will ensure continuous improvement in a context of changing policy legislation and practice. You will have a proven track record of improving and/or leading successful children’s services in Education.

Are you an experienced strategic leader in Education?,

Responsibilities

• Oversee management, quality delivery and performance of key services including Education Outcomes and Intervention, Commissioning for Learning, SEND Services, and Education Inclusion, working closely with our partners and stakeholders.
• Lead the vision and values to ensure that Solihull is a place where every child and young person has a great chance to succeed and achieve their full potential.
• Develop strategic plans that will ensure continuous improvement in a context of changing policy legislation and practice.
• Provide the leadership and expertise in ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of these services.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or membership of an appropriate professional institute or substantial relevant equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a senior school leadership post, working in education inclusion and SEND.
• Substantial and proven experience in improving outcomes, with a particular focus on SEND outcomes, for children and young people.
• Effective leadership and management experience across a range of services for people and with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively within a multiple accountability environment and, in particular, a political environment, establishing a positive relationship with partners, Councillors, MPs and Ministers
• Very strong communication, influencing, negotiation and problem solving skills.

Additional information

If you have a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes and the energy, passion, drive and skills to help deliver better futures for our children and young people of Solihull, then we’d really like to hear from you.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check. An online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively. Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner/have access to a suitable vehicle, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Benefits

• Flexible working, and agile working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlements with opportunity to buy up to 10-days additional leave per year.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.