Description
A High-Profile Opportunity to Shape Education, Skills and Opportunity Across Birmingham
Birmingham City Council is seeking an exceptional education leader to join us on a secondment basis as Director of Schools and Employability.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-profile strategic leadership role within one of the largest local authorities in Europe, helping to shape the future of education, employability and opportunity for children and young people across Birmingham.
The secondment will provide an outstanding development opportunity for an ambitious and experienced leader to further enhance their strategic leadership skills while the recruitment process for the permanent position is undertaken. The successful candidate will gain invaluable insight into the role and wider local authority leadership environment and may choose to apply for the substantive post.
As Director of Schools and Employability, you will work at the heart of Birmingham's education system, leading key priorities, strengthening partnerships and driving service improvement that supports better outcomes for children, young people, families and communities across the city.
About the Role
Operating within a complex, fast-paced and politically accountable environment, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering strategic priorities across the directorate.
You will:
Lead and support strategic projects, improvement programmes and key service priorities.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, early years providers, further education institutions, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
Provide high-quality professional advice and guidance to support decision-making, governance and service delivery. Analyse complex information and develop clear reports, briefings and recommendations for senior officers, elected members and partners.
Drive service improvement initiatives that deliver meaningful and measurable impact. Represent the directorate confidently at boards, meetings, partnerships and external events.
Work effectively within a politically sensitive environment, supporting engagement with elected members, scrutiny processes, Cabinet and Full Council where required.
About You
We are looking for a credible, collaborative and strategic leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will have:
A proven track record of educational leadership at local authority, multi-academy trust or equivalent system level. Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
The ability to establish credibility and trust with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment.
Experience of working independently while contributing effectively as part of a senior leadership team.
Substantial experience within education and a commitment to driving improved outcomes for children and young people.
A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to operate in a complex and high-accountability setting.
You will bring extensive experience of leading groups of schools, together with a strong understanding of school leadership at scale.
Why Apply?
This secondment offers an exceptional opportunity to broaden your experience and demonstrate strategic leadership at scale.
You will have the opportunity to:
Lead within a high-profile, politically accountable local authority environment.
Influence the future direction of education and employability across Birmingham.
Work across a diverse system of schools, partners, senior officers and elected members.
Develop your experience of governance, democratic accountability, partnership working and system leadership. Build a strong professional network across the city and wider education sector.
Enhance your leadership profile and support your future career development.
Eligibility
Applicants must secure support from their current line manager before applying for this secondment opportunity.
