Job Description

Dorset is a place of ambition and opportunity, for our people, our places, and our future. We're a dynamic unitary council with Children's Services rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. Our ambition is to reinforce Dorset's status as a leader both regionally and nationally.


We aim to cultivate a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community where residents can live, work, learn, and grow. Therefore, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven education leader to become our next Corporate Director - Education & Learning.



This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and transform Dorset's education landscape. You will be the council's strategic lead for Education and Learning, ensuring that our services are not only high performing but also inclusive, innovative and future-ready.


You'll work across a broad and vital portfolio, from school improvement and SEND services to admissions, sufficiency planning and the Virtual School, driving outcomes for all learners, especially the most vulnerable.



You'll work closely with the Executive Director of People - Children, elected Members, senior leaders, and our education community to co-create a shared vision for learning in Dorset. Your leadership will support the development of collaborative, resilient and high-achieving learning environments, where ambition thrives, and every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of education in Dorset, driving innovation and excellence to ensure all services meet the diverse needs of our children, young people, and families.

Your Role:

lead the strategic development and delivery of Children's Education and Learning Services, aligned with both local and national priorities. foster educational excellence by championing initiatives that support high-quality education and improved learning outcomes for all. oversee key services such as school admissions, SEN and SEND assessments, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. collaborate with schools, educational settings, and external partners to build strong relationships and integrated services. spearhead the integration of digital technologies into educational services to enhance access and engagement. work closely with the Directorate Leadership Team and Elected Members to deliver our vision and strategic direction. act as a strategic change maker, leading innovative projects that transform service delivery.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will be a visionary leader with extensive experience in educational services at a senior level. Your strategic mindset, coupled with a deep understanding of the educational landscape and legislative frameworks, will be crucial. You will possess strong financial acumen and a proven ability to manage complex transformation programmes.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

professional qualification in Education, with evidence of continuous management and professional development. significant experience in a senior leadership role within educational services. comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks and statutory requirements. proven strategic planning and operational management skills. strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and motivating diverse teams.

Why Join Us?

Join us - and help shape the future



This is your opportunity to make a lasting difference. To influence not just how education is delivered, but how it evolves to meet the changing needs of our children and communities.



If you believe in the power of learning to transform lives and are ready to lead one of the most impactful directorates in Dorset, we'd love to hear from you.

Application Process:

Please contact Lateefah Sulaiman, HR Business Partner, Lateefah.Sulaiman@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305221621 to arrange a short telephone conversation with Paul Dempsey, Executive Director for Childrens, for more details regarding this role.

Interview Date:

Shortlisting will take place the week commencing Monday 16th June with interviews taking place on Tuesday 24th June

Benefits

Access to a fully inclusive car scheme through Tusker, offering public sector discount rates with no credit checks or deposits, plus savings on National Insurance and pension contributions.



A generous relocation package is payable, of which up to 8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.



Our package includes:


an initial advance of up to 2,500 payable when you start help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to 6,500) an option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two years

This position involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please see our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.



This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.



See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.