At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and represent colleges in Yorkshire and The Humber, driving positive change in education.
- Company: Join the Association of Colleges, the national voice for further education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a mission-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in the further education sector are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Location: Hybrid
Department: Member Services
Salary: circa.£60,000
Hours: 37.5
Contract Type: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Association of Colleges (AoC) as an Area Director for Yorkshire and The Humber region AoC is the national voice for further education colleges in England, representing almost 95% of the sector and supporting over 2.2 million students every year. As a not-for-profit organisation established by colleges, for colleges, we are committed to transforming lives through education, skills and opportunity.
In this role, the Area Director is our senior representative and primary contact for member colleges across the Yorkshire and The Humber region. This is an influential role, working closely with college Boards, CEOs/principals and senior teams to understand and meet their needs. You will champion and represent colleges with key stakeholders, including devolved authorities, and engage members in AoC’s policy and public affairs work.
We are seeking a strong leader with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, gained from working in a complex stakeholder environment. You will need a deep understanding of colleges and the further education policy and political environment, ideally supported by experience in the FE sector. Strong local knowledge of the region’s social and economic context will also be essential.
We are a values-led organisation with a culture of high performance and commitment. In return for your expertise, we offer a great package of rewards and a flexible working environment based on mutual trust.
If you’re a confident, strategic and collaborative professional looking to make a difference in an influential role, we’d love to hear from you!
At AoC, we value trust, flexibility and professional growth. You’ll join a high-performing, mission-led organisation that offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week
How to Apply
If you think you have the skills, experience, and attributes to hit the ground running in this position, we would welcome your application. Click 'apply now' below.
To be considered for this role, your application must be submitted and received by 12pm on 29 September 2025.
Interviews Date: 8 October 2025
Location: Onsite, Sheffield College
AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.
Benefits: 30 days’ annual leave 8 bank holidays paid Christmas closure, Car Allowance, Bank Holiday Swap, Work remotely whilst abroad, Employee Assistance Programme, Enhanced family leave, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Cycle to Work, Paid volunteering leave, Regular team socials, Eye-care contributions
REF-223 852
Area Director (Yorkshire and the Humber) in Sheffield employer: Association of Colleges
The Association of Colleges (AoC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Area Director role in Yorkshire and The Humber. With a strong commitment to professional growth, generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, AoC fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in the further education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Director (Yorkshire and the Humber) in Sheffield
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Association of Colleges just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Association of Colleges. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Director (Yorkshire and the Humber) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Area Director (Yorkshire and the Humber) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Association of Colleges, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Colleges
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Association of Colleges, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Association of Colleges, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
