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Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development, ASCL
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Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development
£101,586 per annum + excellent benefits
Home-based (hybrid) with easy access to Leicester HQ
Full-time, permanent
About the Role
Shape national education policy. Influence the debate. Lead transformational change.
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to join our executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping education policy and professional leadership at a national level.
As Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development, you will:
- Lead our work with policymakers and influencers.
- Develop clear and authoritative policy positions.
- Drive the growth of our professional development and membership offer.
- Deputy for the General Secretary, representing the organisation in the media and at senior forums.
The role ensures ASCL remains a go-to choice for leaders across the sector, with a focus on addressing trends, challenges, and opportunities in education leadership at UK-wide, national, and local levels.
Why This Role Matters
This position provides strategic leadership across:
- Policy analysis and development
- Professional development programmes
- Membership growth and engagement
You will:
- Influence education policy—building strong relationships with government departments, policymakers, and stakeholders.
- Shape national debates through well-established media presence.
- Exemplify ASCL’s mission: “Speaking on behalf of members. Acting on behalf of children and young people."
Who We’re Looking For
We seek a confident, strategic senior leader with:
- Extensive education policy experience (preferably at a government, regulatory, or sector leadership level).
- track record at board or executive level.
- Proven influence among senior stakeholders.
- islavience in communication, persuasion, and media engagement.
- Decisive judgement and resilience for high-impact decision-making.
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Key Attributes: ✔ Deep understanding of education leadership landscapes (state and independent sectors). ✔ Ability to navigate public and private sector parliamentary briefings. ✔ Clear understanding of ASCL’s strategic priorities and regulatory demands. ✔ Commercial savvy linked to policy-driven growth. ✔ Strong executive presence.
Responsibilities
Core Duties
-
Policy Leadership:
- Direct ASCL’s national policy work, representing the voice of school leaders.
- Collaborate with government departments, select committees, and think tanks.
- Develop bold and practical policy positions putting ASCL at the heart of debates.
-
Professional Development:
- Develop and deliver high-impact programmes for school leaders.
- Secure strategic partnerships with education providers.
- Expand membership value, ensuring relevance and engagement with stakeholders.
-
Senior Representation:
- Lead media engagement and stakeholder relations.
- Spearhead external relations activities, including public speaking and parliamentary engagement.
- Act as deputy to the General Secretary, representing the organisation at high-profile events.
Requirements
📌 Experience & Background – Sector niche or military service discretionary. 📌 Professional Standards – Professional qualifications or experience commendable. 📌 Wish to Support ASCL – Alignment with our ethos. 📌 Available to Start: September 2026 (negotiable).
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What We Offer
ASCL is an equal opportunities employer, committed to a long-term vision of educational equity, and offers:
- Flexible Working: Home-based hybrid model with in-person attendance at HQ and events as required.
- Generous Leave: 33 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension: 9% employer contribution.
- Professional Growth: Continuous training and peer support programmes.
- Covered Expenses: Travel, home-working allowance, and tech provision.
- Inclusive Environment: Commited to fostering diverse and equitable opportunities for every applicant.
As ASCL welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation, we are dedicated to an inclusive workforce.
Gender pay gap reporting since 2019 reflects no disparity across professional grades.
Key Dates
📅 Applications Close: 4:00pm, Monday 6 July 2026 ⏳ Interviews: Tuesday 14 July 2026 (hybrid format: in-person at Leicester HQ) 📍 Future Role: Starting 1 September 2026 (flexible subject to individual timeline).
How to Apply
🔗 Download the Job Description/ Specification via [Networx Recruitment link](apply link).
- Enter your email in the top-right box.
- Follow the green ‘Apply Now’ button.
- Complete the online application process.
Perfect for: Education professionals, political communicators, growth managers, school leaders.
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