Key Responsibilities:   

• Work with the CEO and leadership team to ensure the efficient and effective management of national office functions and the achievement of the company’s strategic objectives;   
• Manage national office staff / consultants working in the following areas as required: Ethical Education; school ethos, reconfiguration (patronage transfer), new schools, school management, curriculum development, teacher education, school leadership, research (currently 5 direct reports);
• Secure funding and generate income for the further development of Educate Together and the achievement of the organisation’s strategic objectives;
• Oversee the development and implementation of Ethical Education and the Educate Together ethos across the network, maximising schools’ engagement with Teacher Professional Learning and with Educate Together’s Quality Framework;
• Work with the Head of Patronage and Services and School Support Manager to ensure that member schools and their boards of management are well supported;
• Promote the development and growth of the Educate Together network through patronage reconfiguration (school transfers), and new schools;
• Developing and maintain strategic partnerships with corporate funders and sponsors;
• Work with the Department of Education and Youth, third-level providers, teacher organisations and other partners to improve policy and practice in equality-based and Ethical Education in line with Educate Together’s strategic objectives;
• Represent and advocate for Educate Together and Educate Together’s objectives publicly through various media, and write submissions as required;
• Oversee the design and development of relevant research as required, with current focus on student participation;   
• Develop detailed plans and report on performance to the CEO, Board of Directors, Department of Education and Youth and other funders;   
• Develop, implement and monitor policies and procedures in relation to these areas;
• Develop and manage budgets in relation to these areas;   
• Other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time.

A high level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, responsibility and flexible, constructive engagement is required in the carrying out of these duties.   

Person Specification   

The Head of Education and Development must have strong leadership qualities and the management skills and experience necessary to lead this area of work in the national office and across the network of Educate Together schools. They must be resourceful and creative and have the capacity to make maximum use of limited resources. They will be an enthusiastic and disciplined self-starter; a leader and a team player with a target driven approach.

Essential: 

• Relevant qualifications, training and experience, including a third-level qualification, ideally in the area of education;
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of equality-based and Ethical Education;
• Good knowledge of the Irish education system: school patronage, governance and management; curriculum development and teacher education;
• Understanding of educational reform and demonstrated commitment to innovation in education;
• Capacity to design, source funding for, and manage relevant projects;
• Demonstrated people management and leadership skills;
• Strong interpersonal, advocacy and communications skills, and a proven track record of developing and maintaining quality relationships with external organisations;
• Capacity to write high quality reports, submissions and grant applications;
• Demonstrated capacity to use ICT effectively, both for office purposes and in the areas of teaching and learning;
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and use resources efficiently;
• Capacity to think, plan and manage strategically and in the best interests of the organisation;
• Effective time management and the capacity to work under pressure to deadlines;
• Understanding of and a commitment to the values in Educate Together’s Charter;
• Flexibility, creativity, determination and a positive attitude.   

Desirable 

• A post-graduate qualification in the areas of education / equality;
• Experience of school governance, leadership and management at primary and second-level;
• Experience of fundraising and writing grant applications;
• Experience of working with a CRM database (e.g., Salesforce);
• Experience of successfully advocating or campaigning for change;
• Experience of successfully using social media to communicate key messages, build profile, and exert influence;
• Understanding of organisational change;
• Full driving license and access to own car when needed.

Terms 

• This is a fixed term contract position to cover a period of maternity leave.
• The salary for this position is placed on Educate Together’s Senior Manager Salary Scale: €61,206 - €64,730, depending on qualifications and experience.
• 26 annual leave days, plus 3 concessionary days in December.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is expected with time off in lieu provided.

Location                      

Educate Together’s national office is based in Dublin city centre. This role is open to an agreed level of hybrid working in line with the company’s hybrid working policy following an initial period of induction. Some travel within Ireland will be required.