Lead Education Officer/Deputy CEO

The Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST) is seeking to appoint a Lead Education Officer/Deputy CEO for January 2019, to support its growing family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a track record in school improvement, probably at headteacher/senior leadership level combined with recent MAT/advisory experience, to play a leading role in a one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the country.

About us

ODST was founded in 2012 by the Church of England Diocese of Oxford to serve the children of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. We have 32 schools, the majority of which cover the primary phase, educating over 6,000 pupils; 27 of our schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. We have a mixture of convertor and sponsored schools and the Trust contains both Church and community schools. ODST organises its schools into five geographical hubs which supports school-to-school collaboration and promotes professional development at school level as well as supporting our vision for a community of schools that work together for the common good.

About you

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in school leadership who understands the needs of a large and growing multi academy trust. You’ll have a track record of strategic leadership in a complex organisation; experience of school improvement including perhaps at an advisory level, and have substantial knowledge of the current educational environment. Your ability to lead and inspire a team and work with multiple stakeholders will ensure you support our schools to be the best places they can be for children to learn and staff to flourish. You will have a heart for our children and their local communities and will be able to deliver excellence within the context of ODST’s vision and ethos.

About the role

Working closely as part of a fantastic team, the successful candidate will:

• Take the lead in continuing to develop and evolve the school improvement strategy for the Trust, to deliver consistently strong outcomes for pupils

• Work closely with the CEO, Trustees and other stakeholders to deliver the strategic vision of the Trust and inspire and empower others to share in achieving it

• Be able to undertake responsible strategic planning ensuring ODST delivers the highest possible outcomes for children and young people in a financially sustainable way

• Undertake operational responsibilities with a focus across all member and prospective schools.

An enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for this position.

Location: ODST is based at modern offices near Oxford. The successful candidate will also be expected to travel to ODST schools and other locations as required.

Closing date: 0900 on Monday 17th September. Interviews will be scheduled for week commencing 24th September.

Further information: For a candidate information pack, including job description and person specification, please e-mail odst.hr@oxford.anglican.org

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Anne Davey, CEO, on 01865 208286 or Mark Jones, HR Manager, on 01865 208278.