Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND

Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND

Full-Time 108015 - 118680 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformative education initiatives to enhance inclusion and support for vulnerable learners.
  • Company: Dudley Council, committed to improving life chances for children and young people.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and ethical governance.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education and inclusion while driving impactful change in the community.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in education/SEND with a passion for transformation and partnership building.

The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 € per year.

Salary: £108,015 – £118,680 (pay award pending)

Location: Dudley, West Midlands – hybrid

Contract: Permanent, full time

Are you an inspirational, values-driven leader with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey and we are seeking a visionary Associate Director – Education, Inclusion & SEND to shape the future of education and inclusion across our borough.

Responsibilities

  • Champion inclusion and excellence by driving a bold vision for education inclusion and SEND, improving outcomes for vulnerable learners and ensuring strong statutory compliance.
  • Build powerful partnerships with schools, health, social care and parent carers, ensuring children, young people and families shape the services they use.
  • Deliver timely, high-quality support across SEND services, EHCPs, early help, transitions, admissions, transport and fair access.
  • Modernise and transform services, leading innovation, integrated working, programme management, risk oversight and a data-led performance culture.
  • Influence and lead across the council, supporting transformation, digital change, commissioning and strong governance while managing significant budgets and upholding the highest ethical standards.

Qualifications

  • A strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations.
  • Someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands education/SEND legislation, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.

If you are driven to make a real impact for children, families and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.

Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Dudley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. With a strong focus on professional development and innovation, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to transformative projects within the community. Located in the vibrant West Midlands, this role offers the unique opportunity to lead significant change in education and inclusion, supported by a passionate team committed to excellence.

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Contact Detail:

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and SEND sectors, especially those connected to Dudley Council. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on what they’re looking for.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision for improving education and inclusion. Let them see your energy and commitment to making a difference for children and families.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle challenges in SEND services or partnerships. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to transform education in Dudley.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND

Leadership
Visionary Thinking
Partnership Building
Knowledge of Education/SEND Legislation
Transformation Management
Programme Management
Risk Oversight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and inclusion shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to improve life chances for children and young people.

Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive transformation. We love seeing how you've made a real impact in previous roles, especially in complex organisations.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your understanding of SEND legislation and how you’ve built partnerships in the past. This shows us you’re not just sending a generic application!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of education in Dudley.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest education and SEND legislation. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's current initiatives and challenges in these areas. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed and ready to make a real impact.

Showcase Your Vision

Prepare to articulate your bold vision for education inclusion and SEND. Think about how you can improve outcomes for vulnerable learners and what innovative strategies you would implement. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and strategic thinking.

Build Connections

Highlight your experience in building partnerships with schools, health services, and parent carers. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with various stakeholders to drive change. This will illustrate your ability to work across different sectors effectively.

Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

Be prepared to share instances where you’ve led teams through transformation in complex organisations. Discuss your approach to managing significant budgets and ensuring compliance while upholding ethical standards. This will showcase your capability as a strategic leader.