Director of Education

For over 50 years, the National Autistic Society (NAS) has been pioneering new ways to support people and understand autism. With support from their members, donors and volunteers NAS provides life-changing information and advice to millions of autistic people, their families and friends. They also work with professionals, politicians and the public to understand autism better so that more autistic people of all ages can be understood, supported and appreciated for who they are. They achieve what they do through the provision of training, programmes, adult care and specialist schools. The NAS currently runs eight schools. Six of these, including the newly opened Anderson School, have independent status and two are free schools. Another school is due to open in 2019.

The Director of Education will work closely with the Chief Executive, Mark Lever, the Board and the rest of the senior management team to ensure that the educational offering is of the highest standard. S/He will lead and inspire the School Principals and ensure a robust infrastructure across the network. This individual will also work at a national, as well as local level and act as a key spokesperson and ambassador for the charity. This is an exciting role which will give this person the opportunity to make a significant impact within the National Autistic Society and effect societal change with regards to the understanding of educating children and young people with autism.

Candidates will have significant senior management experience as well as a knowledge of how to articulate and deliver a compelling vision. They will also have experience of working across a multi-site organisation and building a team which is dispersed across the country. An understanding of autism is desirable but not essential.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The National Autistic Society on this appointment. For more information, including how to apply, please refer to the website of Saxton Bampfylde at www.saxbam.com/jobs using job reference NABADA. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).

Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 19 September 2018.

The Society is committed to equality, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.