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- Tasks: Lead admissions and strategic partnerships, ensuring a person-centred approach.
- Company: St Elizabeth's is a charity supporting individuals with complex needs for over 120 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and a beautiful on-site setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND admissions, strong leadership, and stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Access to transport is helpful as we are not on a public transport route.
The predicted salary is between 47344 - 49478 £ per year.
Location: Based on-site at St Elizabeth's, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Salary: £47,344 - £49,478
Support lives. Shape futures. Lead change.
About St Elizabeth's Centre
Nestled in 60 acres of peaceful countryside, St Elizabeth's is a national charity that has supported children, young people, and adults with complex medical and learning needs for over 120 years. We provide a specialist School, College, residential care, supported living and on-site health services. Our mission is to help every person we support Live Life to the Full, and our values - aspirational, collaborative, joyful, and compassionate - are at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
Are you ready to lead a truly impactful admissions function and help shape the future of one of the UK's most unique specialist organisations? We are now looking for a strategic, people-focused and dynamic Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships to lead our admissions, transitions and external engagement approach - placing the individuals we support and their families at the heart of every decision.
What you'll be doing
This is a key leadership role that spans both operational excellence and strategic development. You will lead and inspire a high-performing team, strengthen our partnerships with funding authorities and commissioners, and develop innovative ways to showcase the life-changing work we do. You will:
- Lead and enhance the admissions process across School, College, Children's Home and Adult Services
- Oversee our marketing and communications function and help grow our profile and visibility
- Build and maintain strong relationships with families, professionals, funding authorities and commissioners
- Use data, trends and forecasting to inform organisational growth and planning
- Ensure that all transitions are smooth, timely and person-centred
This role is primarily based at our beautiful 60-acre site in Much Hadham, with some travel required to attend meetings and events.
What we're looking for
We're seeking someone with a passion for people and a mind for strategy. You'll have a proven track record in SEND or complex care admissions, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a natural ability to lead with empathy and ambition. You'll bring:
- Significant experience in managing placements or admissions in education, health or care settings
- Understanding of EHCPs, funding processes and funding authority commissioning
- Proven leadership experience within multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams
- A confident, proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Experience in marketing, brand or communications strategy is desirable
Why join St Elizabeth's?
This is your opportunity to make a real difference - leading a team that plays a critical role in ensuring every person who joins us receives a welcoming, informed and positive experience. We offer:
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free on-site parking and discounted gym membership
- Access to wellbeing support and employee recognition schemes
- Beautiful on-site setting with on-site café and facilities
- Fully paid DBS and ongoing training and development
How to Apply
Please apply today by completing an application form and uploading your CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we recommend applying early, as we may close the advert once enough strong applications are received. Please note: We are not located on a public transport route, so having access to transport is helpful. Final salary offer is dependent on experience, qualifications, and the role level.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
St Elizabeth's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. We are proud to be an Investors in People and Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us.
Registered Charity: #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships employer: St Elizabeth's Centre
Contact Detail:
St Elizabeth's Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with complex medical and learning needs. Understanding these nuances will help you connect better with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to the mission of St Elizabeth's.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the SEND and complex care sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to build relationships with potential partners and funding authorities, which can be crucial for the role of Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of St Elizabeth's. Be ready to discuss examples of how you've led teams with empathy and ambition, as this is key to inspiring a high-performing team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends in admissions processes within education and care settings. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices will not only impress during discussions but also show your proactive approach to enhancing the admissions function.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Admissions & Strategic Partnerships. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in managing admissions or placements in education, health, or care settings. Highlight any leadership roles and your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for people and strategic thinking. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in stakeholder management and your understanding of funding processes.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organised and clearly formatted to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Elizabeth's Centre
✨Understand the Mission and Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with St Elizabeth's mission and values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with their aspirational, collaborative, joyful, and compassionate ethos will demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, particularly in SEND or complex care admissions. Highlight how you have successfully led teams, managed stakeholder relationships, and implemented strategic initiatives that align with the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in admissions or partnerships and how you navigated them, focusing on person-centred approaches.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, be ready to showcase your communication and presentation skills. You might be asked to present a brief overview of how you would enhance the admissions process or build partnerships, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently.
