Site Development Project Director

Having acquired a new educational site in close walking distance to the school, King’s now has the opportunity to review and transform our school estate for the benefit of all our pupils, as part of an overall vision to become a fully coeducational community over the next decade. On our new site, we intend to create a new, world‑class educational facility for our junior school which expresses our vision for the care and development of our younger pupils in all aspects of their education. This relocated junior school will comprise its own modern and bespoke facilities, drawing together the two sections of the junior school, Rushmere (years 3-4) and Priory (years 5-6). Junior pupils will, at the same time, retain the scope to access the current facilities on our main site. Our vision for a continuous educational experience for pupils as they move through the school remains unchanged, rooted in extensive collaboration between the different sections of the school, as pupils progress from junior school through to the sixth form. This relocation of the junior school also creates opportunities for the necessary renewal of some spaces and the enhancement of facilities for all pupils on the main site, in line with the school’s vision and strategy. We have undertaken a comprehensive master planning exercise to evaluate the various possibilities on our current site and to create a forward‑looking and sustainable plan for future developments, which can then be implemented according to a carefully planned and sequenced programme over several years.

Responsibilities

The postholder will have responsibility for initially overseeing the progress of this most exciting transformation project for the school community, working closely with the head, junior school headmaster, bursar and the senior team. This represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a major and historic strategic development for King’s, as we head into our third century from 2029. As with any school with a substantial estate, the process of renewal and investment is continuous. The postholder will have a full appreciation of the strategic significance of this project across the Corporation of King’s and the contribution it will make to the experience of pupils and the whole community for decades to come. At the same time, they will need to have the attention to detail, project management skills and ability to engage and communicate, to ensure that the project progresses efficiently and delivers positive outcomes for our community. This is a permanent, all‑year round role which will sit within the school’s Extended Leadership Team (ELT). Based on the demands of the current projects, this is currently a four‑day a week‑equivalent role (0.8 FTE) but we would welcome a discussion with high quality candidates around flexible / hybrid working also. The scope of the project will necessarily evolve over time, and adaptability will be key to leading this project successfully. This role description is indicative rather than prescriptive and expected to evolve over time; the postholder will be expected to undertake any other task or responsibility reasonably requested by the Head or Bursar.

Person Specification

• Experience in a leadership role within a school, and an ability to understand multiple perspectives and the potential implications of decisions taken in school settings
• Experience with major school transformation or master planning projects
• Proven ability to adopt a strategic approach when navigating a complex organisation, with an aim to further the school’s priorities
• Experience in successful project management and change management
• Confidence in budget management and financial planning
• Experience of forging working relationships with a collegiate and supportive approach, and a desire to positively contribute to the community of King’s
• High standards, a commitment to excellence, and a positive attitude to achieving goals
• An energetic approach, ensuring that we are always evolving our practice in pursuit of excellence
• A proactive and self‑motivated approach as an effective problem solver
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptability, calmness under pressure, resilience and tenacity
• Confidence in the use of relevant IT systems and software
• Ability to listen and adapt style to engage different stakeholders in different contexts
• Proven ability to engage complex and diverse communities
• Awareness and understanding of the safeguarding and welfare of children and a clear commitment to delivering best practice in safeguarding
• Demonstrated skills in fostering an inclusive and diverse school community

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.