At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships to enhance educational outcomes for children and communities.
- Company: GLF Schools, a growing Multi Academy Trust with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to transforming education across 43 schools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by building high-impact partnerships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in education or public sector and proven partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
GLF Schools is seeking an outstanding Director of Partnerships and Engagement to strengthen and expand the relationships that enable the Trust to deliver exceptional outcomes for children, families and communities. This is a pivotal role in shaping how GLF Schools works in deep partnership with local authorities and system partners to maximise opportunity, influence and impact for the benefit of our children.
Your Opportunity
As Director of Partnerships and Engagement, the successful candidate will lead the strategic development and management of high-impact partnerships that expand opportunities for GLF children. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, Executive Team and senior leaders, they will position GLF as a sector-leading Trust, building strong relationships locally, regionally and nationally. The postholder will develop and nurture partnerships with schools, system leaders, government bodies, corporate organisations and wider stakeholders, ensuring that GLF is at the forefront of collaboration and innovation. They will play a key role in supporting GLF’s growth strategy, leading early engagement with prospective schools and helping to shape regional development and expansion. Alongside this, there will be opportunities to work across the Trust to embed a culture of collaboration, enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening partnerships both within GLF and externally. They will also contribute to system leadership, representing GLF at senior forums, bringing in external insight and shaping thought leadership to ensure the Trust continues to evolve and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. This will be a hybrid post, with a base at our GLF Schools Head Office in Banstead, Surrey, and travel required across the Trust and to partner organisations as needed.
What we are looking for
- Senior leadership experience in education, public sector or complex multi-stakeholder environments
- Proven track record of building and leading high-impact partnerships
- Ability to influence at Executive and Board level
- Strong experience representing organisations at regional or national level
- Exceptional relationship‑building, communication and influencing skills
- Strong understanding of the education landscape and policy environment
- Ability to work collaboratively and drive impact across organisational boundaries
- Experience contributing to system‑wide improvement and knowledge sharing
- Strategic, proactive and solutions‑focused mindset
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils
Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Kindness and Ambition
43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
Our Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish:
- Access to our highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Career pathways and talent management
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Salary: Leadership 3 - £75,000
Start Date: As soon as available
Contract type: Permanent, full time (36 hours a week, 52 weeks a year).
Closing date: 31st May 2026
Interview date: TBC
Director of Partnerships and Engagement in Banstead employer: The Beacon School
GLF Schools is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming education through strong partnerships and community engagement. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Banstead, Surrey, the Trust offers a collaborative environment where innovative ideas flourish, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Partnerships and Engagement in Banstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can open doors for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, let your enthusiasm for education and partnerships shine through. Share your vision for how you can make a difference at GLF Schools and why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GLF Schools and its current partnerships. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their growth strategy. Tailor your approach to show you understand their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GLF Schools community and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Partnerships and Engagement in Banstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Partnerships and Engagement. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what GLF Schools is looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific examples where you've built high-impact partnerships or influenced at an executive level. We want to see how you've made a difference in your past positions!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and kindness, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and how it drives you to make a positive impact.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Beacon School
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into GLF Schools' existing partnerships and their impact. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance these relationships and bring in new ones. Showing that you understand their current landscape will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Influence
Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making at an executive level in your previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your strategic thinking led to successful partnerships or initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to operate at the level they require.
✨Communicate with Clarity
As a Director of Partnerships and Engagement, communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your experience effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
GLF Schools values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've fostered teamwork across different stakeholders. Share examples of how you've built bridges between organisations and driven collective impact, showcasing your ability to work across boundaries.
