At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in education services, making a real difference for students across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Education Authority committed to equality and excellence in service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Northern Ireland and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and empower young minds to reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Proven senior management experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 91575 - 91575 £ per year.
Job Reference: 26005586
Primary Location: Antrim-Belfast-Belfast Office
Other Locations: Down-Dundonald-Dundonald Office, Armagh-Armagh-Armagh Office, Antrim-Ballymena-Ballee Centre, Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh Office
Contract Type: Permanent
Status: Full-Time
Hours per Week: The normal hours of work are 36 per week. Working Pattern: Monday – Friday. The post-holder will be required to work flexibly in order to successfully carry out the duties of the role.
Grade / Scale: Assistant Director | £82,998 – £91,575 per annum. Progression through the salary scale will be dependent upon satisfactory performance and linked to a performance management framework for Directors and Assistant Directors.
Interview Dates: 26 August 2026
Additional Information: Base location to be discussed and agreed with the Chief Education Officer. Agile working is available by agreement. Senior officers are expected to be ‘together’ in person with colleagues (i.e. at their base, alternative EA office, meetings, conferences) on at least 3 days per week. As the role carries regional responsibility, travel across Northern Ireland (and on occasion further afield) will be required in order to attend meetings and fulfil the full range of duties and responsibilities. The successful candidate can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- A minimum of three years’ experience in a senior management role, successfully leading services across several areas and having an impact on multiple people.
- Experience of working collectively across a senior team to align goals, resources, policies and processes to optimise use of the organisation’s resources to deliver maximum value for the public/customers.
- Experience of leading, empowering, championing excellence and establishing momentum for continuous improvement that has delivered improved outcomes for the public/customers.
- Strong communication skills with proven ability to engage across a range of stakeholders, demonstrating successful impact.
- Proven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against significant, challenging deadlines and through the engagement of teams.
*A senior management role includes providing advice or being party to decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the organisation in which the individual is working.
**Significant and challenging is defined as cross‑cutting across a number of business areas, stakeholders or organisations and having an impact on multiple people.
Desirable Criteria:
- Demonstrates an understanding of the potential and challenges of delivering education and support services to ensure high‑quality and equitable access for schools.
Other:
To have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post efficiently and effectively. OR to be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that they have access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post efficiently and effectively.
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage.
Director - Education employer: Education Authority
The Education Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises equality and excellence in service delivery. Located in Armagh, employees benefit from a commitment to professional growth, with opportunities for development and training in a collaborative environment dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of community.
