HEAD OF EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN IRISH EDUCATION
EDUCATE TOGETHER: CONTEXT
Educate Together is the representative body for Ireland’s
equality-based school network of * primary and
* post-primary schools. As a registered
charity, Educate Together has a strong reputation as an inclusive
educational organisation with the principles of equality, democracy
and child-centeredness at its core. We recognise the benefits of
diversity and welcome applications from people with minority
identities and/or backgrounds.
HEAD OF EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT ROLE
We are currently seeking a dynamic and committed individual with
strong educational knowledge and skills to lead on education and
growth for Educate Together. The Head of Education and Development
will work with the CEO and leadership team to ensure the successful
delivery of equality-based education in Educate Together schools, and
the continued growth of the sector. They will lead the support and
development of Ethical Education and Educate Together ethos at
primary, post-primary and third-level and play a central role in
supporting and promoting innovation in the sector, as well as
supporting the continued growth of the school network. This is a
senior management position and the Head of Education and Development
may be asked to deputise for the CEO from time to time.
This FULL-TIME POSITION requires an enthusiastic self-starter, with
strong insight and experience across the education sector. The role
may evolve in time in line with changing needs in the network and the
national office.
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR EDUCATE TOGETHER
The vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for the right person to
make a positive difference in education and equality in Ireland, and
to contribute towards the mission of one of Ireland’s most dynamic
and impactful charities. Working with Educate Together offers:
* Opportunity to work with a dynamic and effective team of committed
colleagues.
* Flexible working, with structured opportunities for hybrid working
and a time off in lieu (TOIL) system.
* Salary scales include annual increments (subject to satisfactory
performance).
* A matched company contribution of up to 5% of annual salary is
available (after probation), where employees choose to join a PRSA
pension plan.
* Generous leave entitlements, including 3 additional concessionary
days in December.
* An Employee Assistance Programme to support staff members’
wellbeing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Work with the CEO and leadership team to ensure the efficient and
effective management of national office functions and resources and
the achievement of the company’s strategic objectives;
* Manage national office staff, consultants, tutors and volunteers
working in all or some of the following areas as required: Ethical
Education; school ethos, reconfiguration / patronage transfer, new
schools, school management, curriculum development, teacher education,
school leadership, research, communities of practice;
* Work with the CEO and others to develop and implement strategies
to secure funding and generate income for the further development of
Educate Together and the achievement of the organisation’s strategic
objectives;
* Oversee the development and implementation of Ethical Education
and the Educate Together ethos across the network, maximising
schools’ engagement with CPD and with Educate Together’s Ethos
Guidelines and School Self-Evaluation process.
* Work with the Head of Services to ensure that high quality
resources and efficient systems are in place to support member schools
and their boards of management;
* Promote the development and growth of the Educate Together network
through developing capacity in the area of patronage reconfiguration /
school transfers, supporting the establishment of new schools, and
developing strategic partnerships;
* Work with the Department of Education, third-level providers,
teacher organisations and other state agencies and partners to drive
the improvement of policy and practice in the areas of equality-based
and Ethical Education, with regard to Educate Together’s strategic
objectives;
* Build relationships with the Department of Education and other
statutory and partner organisations;
* Represent and advocate for Educate Together and Educate
Together’s objectives publicly through various media, and write
submissions as required;
* Oversee the design and development of relevant research as
required;
* Develop detailed plans, including appropriate metrics, and report
on performance to the CEO, Board of Directors, Department of Education
and other funders;
* Develop, implement and monitor policies and procedures in relation
to these areas;
* Develop and manage budgets in relation to these areas;
* Other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.
A high level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality,
responsibility and flexible, constructive engagement is required in
the carrying out of these duties.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The Head of Education and Development must have strong leadership
qualities and the management skills and experience necessary to lead
this area of work in the national office and across the network of
Educate Together schools. They must be resourceful and creative and
have the capacity to make maximum use of limited resources. They will
be an enthusiastic and disciplined self-starter; a leader and a team
player with a target driven approach.
ESSENTIAL
* Relevant qualifications, training and experience, including a
third-level qualification in the area of education;
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of equality-based and
Ethical Education;
* Good knowledge of the Irish education system: school patronage,
governance and management; curriculum development and teacher
education;
* Understanding of educational reform and demonstrated commitment to
innovation in education;
* Capacity to design, source funding for, and manage relevant
projects;
* Demonstrated people management and leadership skills;
* Strong interpersonal, advocacy and communications skills, and a
proven track record of developing and maintaining quality
relationships with external organisations;
* Capacity to write high quality reports, submissions and grant
applications;
* Demonstrated capacity to use ICT effectively, both for office
purposes and in the areas of teaching and learning;
* Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and use resources
efficiently;
* Capacity to think, plan and manage strategically and in the best
interests of the organisation;
* Effective time management and the capacity to work under pressure
to tight deadlines;
* Understanding of and a commitment to the values espoused in
Educate Together’s Charter;
* Flexibility, creativity, determination and a positive attitude.
DESIRABLE
* A post-graduate qualification in the areas of education /
equality;
* Experience of school governance, leadership and management at
primary and second-level;
* Experience of fundraising and writing grant applications;
* Experience of working with a CRM database (e.g., Salesforce);
* Experience of successfully advocating or campaigning for change;
* Experience of successfully using social media to communicate key
messages, build profile, and exert influence;
* Understanding of organisational change;
* Full driving license and access to own car when needed.
TERMS
* This is a full-time post with a three-year contract initially
offered. There is the potential for the right person to become
permanent in the organisation, subject to performance, organisational
fit and funding.
* The salary for this position is placed on Educate Together’s
Senior Manager Salary Scale, with a starting salary of €**Apply on
the website**, * - €**Apply on the
website**, *, depending on qualifications and
experience.
* * annual leave days, plus 3 concessionary
days in December.
* Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is expected with
time off in lieu provided.
LOCATION
Educate Together’s national office is based in Dublin city centre.
This role is open to an agreed level of hybrid working in line with
the company’s hybrid working policy. Some travel within Ireland will
be required.
APPLICATIONS
Interested candidates should apply by sending a one-page letter
outlining their suitability for this role, along with their CV to
* by Wednesday *th April
*.
Educate Together values diversity and welcomes applications from
people with minority identities and/or backgrounds.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
