Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and advocacy for education across the UK.
- Company: Join ASCL, a leading organization representing school and college leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible home working, and travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education policy while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time position with significant travel requirements.
The predicted salary is between 71160 - 99504 £ per year.
Job Description
Deputy Director of Policy
Starting salary from £71,160
Home-based, with some time in-person at our Leicester HQ and significant travel to London and across the UK as required
Full-Time, Permanent
Due to the retirement of the current postholder, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is seeking to appoint a Deputy Director of Policy. This role will report to the Senior Director of Strategy, Policy and Professional Development.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most respected and influential organisations in UK education, and to lead major strands of our engagement with the government and other agencies.
ASCL is a trade union and professional association which supports and represents over 25,000 school and college leaders. We work closely with ministers, advisers, civil servants and other organisations to ensure the voices of our members are front and central in policymaking, and to co-construct policy which enhances the lives and life chances of the children, young people and staff in schools and colleges across the UK.
This role will support the Senior Director of Strategy, Policy and Professional Development as one of two Deputy Directors of Policy, leading and overseeing the Association’s policy influencing work in a number of areas. These include the training, recruitment and retention of the school and college workforce (including ITE), pay and conditions of service, school and college funding, and business leadership, across a broad range of educational settings including primary, secondary, post-16 and independent.
You will manage a team of highly experienced and effective policy specialists who focus on these areas, lead on specific areas of policy as required, and sit on ASCL’s extended leadership group.
The successful candidate will be a thought leader in their own right, while also being skilled at gathering, synthesizing and effectively representing the views of ASCL’s diverse membership. You will have a deep knowledge and understanding both of the school and college landscape and of how education policy is made. You will be a clear communicator, a persuasive influencer and an effective and collegiate manager and colleague.
This role is paid on a five-point incremental range from £71,160 – £78,511 per annum. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are also covered. Equipment is provided. This is a home-based role, with significant travel required to London, ASCL HQ in Leicester, and across the UK.
ASCL is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits, including 33 days holiday plus bank holidays and a pension scheme to which the association contributes 9%. We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.?
INTERESTED??
The closing date for applications is?5pm on Wednesday 16 April.
Interviews will be held in Leicester on?Monday 12 May.
Start date: As soon as possible but dependent on individual circumstances.
Deputy Director of Policy employer: ASCL
Contact Detail:
ASCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with current educational policies and issues affecting schools and colleges in the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in policy-making. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in policy development and advocacy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced policy changes or contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research ASCL's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their goals will allow you to align your responses during the interview with what they are looking for in a Deputy Director of Policy.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Director of Policy position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in policy development, leadership roles, and any relevant educational background. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to fulfill the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for education policy. Make sure to address how your values align with those of the Association of School and College Leaders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASCL
✨Understand the Policy Landscape
Make sure you are well-versed in current educational policies and issues affecting schools and colleges. Research recent developments and be prepared to discuss how they impact the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your leadership experience, particularly in policy development or advocacy. Highlight how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Deputy Director of Policy, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you have communicated complex policy issues to various stakeholders and how you can engage with different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to policy implementation or stakeholder engagement.
