Strategic Projects Director

Benenden School; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent independent school in the UK is searching for a Strategic Projects Director, responsible for steering the institution's next phase of development both nationally and internationally. The role requires a senior educational leader with extensive experience in strategic initiatives, project management, and a deep understanding of governance and quality frameworks. The appointed individual will play a critical role in shaping the school’s future and sustaining its reputation for excellence. The position comes with a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Meals provided while on duty

Access to fitness centre and swimming pool

Pension provision

Professional development support

Fee remission, subject to eligibility

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior educational leadership or related field.
• Proven ability to develop strategic initiatives and manage projects.
• Experience in international education or partnerships is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver strategic priorities for the school.
• Support the design and establishment of new international schools.
• Lead quality assurance activities to uphold the school's standards.
• Manage risk, budgets, and stakeholders effectively.

Skills

Leadership in education or related fields

Strategic planning

Project management

Ability to navigate complex situations

Job description

Strategic Projects Director

Benenden School is appointing a Strategic Projects Director to play a central role in its next phase of UK and international development. Operating at whole-organisation level and reporting directly to the Group Strategy Officer, the role offers genuine strategic influence and ownership of high-impact initiatives that will shape Benenden's direction for years to come. The role brings together senior educational leadership, international ambition, partnership development and complex project delivery. It offers a rare opportunity for an experienced leader to apply strategic and operational expertise within a school environment, while working across a broad, group-wide portfolio with both UK and international reach. Working closely with the Headmistress, Group Strategy Officer and senior leadership team, the Strategic Projects Director will help define and deliver Benenden's strategic priorities. The remit includes international school development, UK-based education initiatives, international summer and revision programmes and cross-school partnerships. The post-holder will take ownership from concept through to delivery, managing risk, budgets and stakeholders, while ensuring that educational quality, safeguarding and governance remain central throughout. International development forms a significant element of the role.

Responsibilities include supporting the design and establishment of new international schools and education partnerships, shaping educational models, supporting operational readiness and staff development, and leading quality assurance activity to ensure Benenden's ethos and standards are consistently upheld. Within the UK, the role provides senior operational leadership for strategic initiatives that contribute directly to the school's long-term sustainability, reputation and impact.

Qualifications: You will be a senior leader with substantial experience in education or a closely related field, bringing perspective from a school, higher education or international education environment, and the ability to operate confidently within a school context and its governance, safeguarding and quality frameworks. You will be comfortable working independently, developing new ideas and leading others through complexity and change, with credibility at senior level and sound judgement in regulatory and commercial matters. Experience of international education, partnerships or quality assurance would be advantageous.

About Benenden School

Help shape the future of one of the UK's leading independent schools, in the UK and internationally. Founded in 1923, Benenden is one of the UK's leading independent day and boarding schools for girls aged 11 to 18. Set within 250 acres of Kent countryside, the school combines academic excellence with innovation, values-led leadership and a strong sense of purpose. Recent years have seen significant investment in facilities, curriculum and strategic capability, alongside a growing international outlook. The Strategic Projects Director will play a key role in shaping Benenden's future, both in the UK and internationally.

Diversity and Equality

At Benenden we know that everyone brings a unique perspective that adds to our community. We want to attract, retain and develop diverse talent, so that we are a great school, this means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees.

Safeguarding and Compliance

The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School's Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. This appointment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Meals provided while on duty
• Access to the school's fitness centre and swimming pool
• Pension provision and professional development support
• Fee remission, subject to eligibility