At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the WELL Project to empower young leaders and enhance educational excellence.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to community development and educational success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Temporary role until August 2027 with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 82653 - 86577 € per year.
Salary: Soulbury EIP 32-35 (£82,653-£86,577) Pay award pending
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Workington
Contract: Temporary until August 31st 2027
About This Opportunity:
The grant funded Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership (WELL) Project supports, develops and challenges leaders to deliver excellence so that all children and young people in the former Allerdale and Copeland districts have every opportunity to succeed and make a positive contribution.
Role Details:
This is a high-profile role and requires strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with all partners to play a key role in leading and further developing the project. The successful applicant will be a senior manager in a school/academy or local authority setting with excellent people management skills and proven ability in leading and managing change. Good knowledge of current and national educational challenges is essential. The role is temporary and the council is willing to consider applications from those who would like to be seconded from their current post. Any applicant would need to secure agreement from their current employer or governing body if they wish to be considered on a secondment basis.
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sue Lowndes by email at sue.lowndes@cumberland.gov.uk.
Why join us?
- Relocation package available – we’ll support you to settle into your new home and community.
- Living and working in Cumbria – stunning landscapes and a high quality of life.
- Supportive environment – collaborative, compassionate and innovative team culture with opportunities to develop your skills.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career. Be sure to take a look at the post specification for the essential criteria for this role.
DBS Checks:
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s/Adults Barred List check. Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and children.
Guaranteed Interviews:
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select yes to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments:
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information:
Closing date: 23rd February 2026
Interview date: TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the development of its staff. With a focus on empowering leaders through the WELL Project, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, a relocation package, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the beautiful landscapes of Cumbria. Join us to be part of a compassionate team dedicated to shaping a brighter future for our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education and leadership. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the Director role at the WELL Project. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the WELL Project and its partners. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a potential leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and lead effectively. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at the WELL Project.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - WELL Project -CMB2268e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the WELL Project shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact on children and young people in the community.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leadership and education. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to manage change and build effective relationships, so be specific about your achievements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know the WELL Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the WELL Project's goals and achievements. Familiarise yourself with its partnerships and how it impacts children and young people in the Allerdale and Copeland districts. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed change. Highlight your ability to build effective relationships with partners, as this is crucial for the success of the project.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've communicated complex ideas clearly and effectively in previous positions. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that showcase your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including schools, councils, and community members.
✨Align with Their Values
Cumberland Council values ambition, collaboration, compassion, empowerment, and innovation. Reflect on how your personal values align with these and be prepared to share specific examples that illustrate how you've embodied these traits in your professional life.
