At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national education policy and professional development initiatives.
- Company: Join a leading organisation shaping the future of education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel across the UK and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education leaders and influence policy at a national level.
- Qualifications: Experience in education policy and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 101586 - 101586 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to join our executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping education policy and professional leadership at a national level. As Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development, you will lead our work with policymakers and influencers, develop clear and authoritative policy positions, and drive the growth of our professional development and membership offer. You will also deputise for the General Secretary, representing the organisation in the media and at senior forums.
Why This Role Matters
This position provides strategic leadership across policy, professional development and membership growth ensuring ASCL is a go-to choice for leaders across the sector. You will be leading our work to influence national education policy, building strong relationships with government, policymakers and key stakeholders. Representing the organisation nationally, including in the media and at major events, this position bridges strategy and delivery, playing a key role in delivering ASCL's mission: Speaking on behalf of members. Acting on behalf of children and young people.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a confident and strategic senior leader with experience in education policy and at board level. You will bring:
- Deep understanding of the education and membership organisation landscape
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Credibility and influence with senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic capability
- The judgement, discretion and resilience required for a high-profile role
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading our work to influence national education policy, building strong relationships with government, policymakers and key stakeholders.
- Developing and communicating clear, evidence-based policy positions that shape sector debate.
- Providing strategic leadership across policy, professional development and membership growth.
- Leading and inspiring senior teams, setting direction, goals and performance expectations.
- Representing the organisation at national events, conferences and in the media.
- Deputising for the General Secretary as required, including high-profile external representation.
What We Offer
ASCL is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits including:
- Flexible working: A combination of working from home, attending external meetings and events and being in-person at our Leicester HQ as necessary.
- Generous leave: 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Pension: 9% employer contribution.
- Professional development: Ongoing training and peer support.
- Expenses covered: Travel, home-working allowance, and equipment provided.
- Inclusive culture: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
This is a hybrid role with a combination of working from home and being in-person at our Leicester HQ when necessary and travel across the UK as required. IT and telephone equipment will be provided. If you're ready to lead a team that makes a real difference to education leaders and organisations across the UK, we would love to hear from you.
INTERESTED?
The closing date for application is 4pm on Monday 6 July 2026. Interviews will be held in-person, at ASCL HQ in Leicester on Tuesday 14 July 2026. Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026 but dependent on individual circumstances.
Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Developm in Leicester employer: ASCL
ASCL is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for senior leaders to shape national education policy while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment. With generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, a substantial pension contribution, and a commitment to professional development, ASCL fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Join us in making a meaningful impact on education leadership across the UK.
