At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape national education policy and lead transformational change in professional development.
- Company: Join a leading organisation influencing education at a national level.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic leadership with significant impact on future education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while representing the organisation nationally.
- Qualifications: Experience in education policy and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 101586 - 101586 £ per year.
£101,586 per annum + excellent benefits
Homebased (Hybrid) with easy access to Leicester HQ
Full time, permanent.
Shape national education policy. Influence the debate. Lead transformational change.
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.
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 +
Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development in Loughborough employer: ASCL
ASCL is an exceptional employer that champions flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance home and office life while making a significant impact on national education policy. With a commitment to professional development and a generous benefits package, including 33 days of annual leave, ASCL fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Join us in shaping the future of education and enjoy the unique opportunity to influence key stakeholders from our Leicester HQ and beyond.
