Lead the establishment of a brand-new organisation with an ambition to reduce the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) across the borough of Rochdale.
* Salary: Starting at £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience
Who we are.
Dale Futures is a soon-to-launch community-focused organisation established in partnership between The Ogden Trust and Rochdale AFC Community Trust. This new organisation represents an exciting step for these two partners, who continually strive to support the diverse communities across Rochdale.
Upon its establishment, Dale Futures will assume operational delivery of the education provision previously delivered by Rochdale AFC Community Trust. This provision will support young people and adults aged between 11-25 through three distinct elements of delivery, which are:
* Alternative provision
* Employability services
* Further education with a sports and coaching focus
About the role.
Our alternative provision supports young people aged 11-16, targeting those with low school attendance, those who need additional support to reach their educational potential and those at risk of exclusion. We will also continue to offer a range of return-to-work and employability provision for 16–25-year-olds who are currently NEET. Additionally, we will also continue to offer further education programmes for learners which have a focus on sport and coaching and are intrinsically linked to the Rochdale AFC football academy and wider activity within the club.
As our Founding Director you will be the primary leader of curriculum development with responsibility for helping design and quality assure our provision across each of our three key delivery areas. You will need to be able to lead the process of creating a research-informed alternative provision which will then ensure that we are able to maximise outcomes for the young people we will engage. The quality of this provision will help us further build our reputation as a trusted partner to the wider education sector whilst also supporting the future growth in our recruitment.
From an operational perspective, you will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation, being accountable for all our activities. As well as leading our curriculum development, you will lead the recruitment of service users, ensuring that we are an attractive option for our target audience as well as building our reputation amongst the local education ecosystem as a trusted partner. We have big ambitions for our future and you will have the opportunity to lead this growth in the years ahead.
Furthermore, you will oversee our financial performance through sound financial planning and by leading activities that generate additional income. Our financial health and the recruitment of new colleagues will be in your hands. You will have the opportunity to build your team around you, recruiting staff who will bring complementary skills and experience that can help the organisation progress.
This role is an exciting and multi-faceted opportunity for someone to take an exciting career step and join an organisation at its inception, having the opportunity and responsibility for leading its growth, development and success into a future which will be underpinned by an ambition to become recognised as a valued and trusted education partner across Rochdale.
Who we are looking for.
This will be a broad, fast-paced role in which you will lead a programme of activity from its inception, resulting in outcomes that help underpin widened and improved educational opportunities across our region.
Candidates will need experience and knowledge of alternative provision and be able to articulate the challenges that people who access this type of provision may face, both academically and personally. An understanding of the Rochdale ecosystem, from both an educational and societal perspective, will be essential.
You will have a track record of success in developing and delivering high-quality provision and be able to translate this at Dale Futures. Your credibility in this area, coupled with your skills as a relationship builder, will ensure you are well-placed to influence local education leaders to recommend the provision we will deliver.
Experience in strategic planning and organisational development progress is important to ensure our establishment is smooth. An ability to foresee risks and challenges and work with colleagues and our Board to overcome these in collaborative, creative, and innovative ways is also vital.
You will also possess astute financial acumen and preferably fundraising experience. As noted, Dale Futures will have some of its initial financing underwritten via a grant; however, our future will rely on sound financial planning and the ability to generate additional income through fundraising activity.
Most importantly, you will champion Dale Futures and, by association, The Ogden Trust and Rochdale AFC Community Trust, demonstrating your values-led leadership by empowering your colleagues to develop themselves while supporting them—and your learners—to achieve their potential.
The appointed candidate will also receive additional benefits which will include:
* 20 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
* Pension
* Free Parking
This role represents an excellent opportunity for professional development. To this end, the appointed candidate will also have the support of senior colleagues from across The Ogden Trust, Rochdale AFC Community Trust and the associated Trustee Board.
Peridot Partners and Dale Futures are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
If you would like to know more about this role please contact Dan Baxter.
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