2iC Careers Strategy

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an enthusiastic Second in Charge of Careers Strategy to support the Careers Strategy Lead.

This is an exciting development opportunity for an experienced Careers Adviser who is ready to take on additional leadership and strategic responsibilities while continuing to work directly with students. The role will be split across the working week, with two days dedicated to Second in Charge responsibilities whilst continuing to deliver high-quality careers guidance as a Careers Adviser across your allocated academies on the rest of the days.

Working closely with the Careers Strategy Lead, you will support the delivery, quality assurance and continuous improvement of careers education across the Harris Federation, helping to ensure that all students have access to high-quality careers guidance, experiences and opportunities.

Alongside your Careers Adviser responsibilities, you will act as a senior member of the team, supporting Careers Advisers and Careers Leaders and contributing to the development and implementation of Federation-wide careers priorities. You will also provide additional leadership capacity within the team, supporting the Careers Strategy Lead with key areas of work and helping to maintain consistency and quality across our academies.

The strategic element of the role will include taking responsibility for key projects and initiatives, including the supporting with the development and maintenance of the Harris Federation Careers Education website, supporting the coordination of the Harris Federation Apprenticeship Programme, leading the planning and delivery of Federation-wide careers events, conferences, meetings and professional networks.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining hands-on careers guidance with leadership and project management, and who is keen to play a wider role in shaping careers

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Responsibilities

• Support the Careers Strategy Lead in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Harris Federation Careers Strategy, ensuring alignment with Federation priorities and statutory careers guidance.
• Deputise for the Careers Strategy Lead when required, representing the Federation at internal and external meetings, working groups and partnership events.
• Contribute to the development of Federation policies, quality assurance frameworks, audits, self-assessment tools and guidance documents to support academy compliance and continuous improvement.
• Support the planning, facilitation and delivery of Careers Leader meetings, Careers Adviser meetings, conferences and professional development events across the Federation.

Harris Federation Careers Education Website

• Support the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Harris Federation Careers Education website, ensuring content remains current, compliant and relevant to staff, students, parents and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all website content reflects statutory guidance, Federation priorities and promotes employer, apprenticeship, higher education and career development opportunities.

Harris Federation Apprenticeship Programme

• Coordinate and manage the Harris Federation Apprenticeship Programme, working closely with the apprenticeship partners, academies and central teams.
• Support the recruitment, promotion and delivery of apprenticeship opportunities for students across the Federation.
• Track programme participation, outcomes and impact, producing reports and recommendations to support continuous improvement.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would welcome your application if you have:

• A Level 6 Careers Guidance qualification or Diploma in Careers Guidance
• Experience leading projects and initiatives across multiple schools, departments or stakeholder groups
• Experience managing, developing and supporting staff performance
• A strong track record of developing, implementing and evaluating careers education programmes
• Experience planning and delivering large-scale events, conferences, meetings and professional networks
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with confidence engaging a range of audiences
• Experience creating digital resources, communications and website content
• Strong knowledge of careers education best practice and Ofsted's Personal Development framework
• Experience delivering impartial careers guidance through one-to-one advice, group sessions and assemblies
• A proven ability to motivate and support young people in achieving their aspirations and career goals
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and time management skills
• The ability to work independently, using initiative and a flexible approach
• Experience developing and delivering high-quality CEIAG provision within an educational setting
• A genuine passion for education and improving outcomes for young people
• A commitment to contributing to the wider life and community of the Federation

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.