At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative initiatives to enhance education and inclusion for children and young people.
- Company: Dudley Council, dedicated to improving life chances for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape future generations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners and their families.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and SEND, with strong partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
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 play a central role in shaping the future of education and inclusion across our borough. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to education, inclusion and SEND, ensuring that every child and young person, whatever their needs or background, can access high‑quality education, support and opportunity.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- 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.
Who we’re looking for: You will be 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’re driven to make a real impact for children, families and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND in Dudley employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for children and young people in our borough. With a strong commitment to inclusion and excellence, we foster a collaborative work culture that empowers our leaders to innovate and drive meaningful change. Our focus on professional development and partnership-building ensures that every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a lasting impact in the community.
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 in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Associate Director role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for education, inclusion, and SEND clearly and confidently. We believe that showcasing your passion and strategic thinking will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you on the path to success!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Education, Inclusion and SEND in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving the life chances of children and young people shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive transformation in education and inclusion. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made a difference!
Highlight Your Leadership Style:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to convey your leadership style. Share how you inspire teams and build partnerships, as this is key to shaping the future of education and inclusion across Dudley.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for education, inclusion, and SEND. Think about how you can champion inclusion and excellence in Dudley. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven transformation in previous roles.
✨Build on Partnerships
Prepare to discuss how you've built powerful partnerships in the past. Think about your experiences collaborating with schools, health services, and parent carers. Highlight any successful initiatives that involved these stakeholders and how they shaped the services provided.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Demonstrate your strategic thinking by discussing how you would approach modernising and transforming services. Bring examples of how you've led innovation and integrated working in complex organisations, and be ready to talk about your experience with data-led performance culture.
✨Emphasise Ethical Leadership
Since this role involves managing significant budgets and upholding ethical standards, be prepared to discuss your approach to governance and risk oversight. Share instances where you've made tough decisions while maintaining integrity and transparency.
