Job Description

Ref Number

B16-01964

Professional Expertise

Administration and Business Support

Department

School of Education (B16)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

68,284-76,244

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

12-Dec-2025

About us

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About UCL Institute of Education

Founded in 1902, UCL Institute of Education has been shaping policy and helping government, organisations and individuals navigate a changing society for the last 120 years. We embrace collaboration and excellence to create a future that is inclusive and just, and have been ranked number one for education every year since 2014 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

About the Centre for Educational Leadership

The Centre for Educational Leadership is an established and distinctive centre within the IOE's Department of Learning and Leadership with around 70 staff. CEL aims to be the first port of call for educational leadership and innovation in the UK and, increasingly, the world.



CEL's research, teaching and knowledge transfer work reflects a commitment to applied academic rigour. It aims to:


Develop criticality: build evidence-based, theory-informed and innovative approaches to policy and practice Deepen learning: broaden perspectives and forge connections between theory, policy and practice Nurture collaboration: encourage shared thinking, collaboration within, across and beyond communities of learners Activate knowledge: develop and mobilise knowledge and understanding within organisations and systems Enhance equity: promote understanding about and action around equity and social justice

In terms of culture, CEL aims to work as both a cohesive team and a creative professional learning community.



The work of the Centre includes:


A world leading reputation for research in the areas of school system reform, leadership and leadership development and knowledge mobilisation Established masters programmes with around 500 students each year A significant and innovative professional development/knowledge transfer offer including; bespoke R&D projects, contracted international and UK consultancy, and designing and delivering large scale DfE professional development programmes, including ECTE/ECF and the National Professional Qualifications for circa 17,000 teachers and school leaders each year.

Information about Centre for Educational Leadership can be found on the Institute of Education's website.

About the role

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The main purpose of this important role is to lead CEL's operational strategy and delivery, driving efficiency, compliance, and innovation across multiple high-profile programmes. The post holder will oversee digital and data infrastructure, financial governance, and workforce planning, ensuring that CEL meets both UCL and DfE contractual obligations while enabling sustainable, high-quality delivery.



Working at the intersection of strategy, delivery, and governance, the post holder will lead on the development of operational frameworks and digital transformation initiatives that underpin CEL's large-scale education programmes, including the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). The role ensures that the Centre's systems, resources, and professional services teams operate cohesively to deliver exceptional service and strategic impact.



As a senior member of CEL's leadership team, the post holder will provide direction to a professional services workforce of approximately 30 staff, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The role requires strong strategic oversight, sound judgement, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across UCL and with external partners, ensuring CEL remains a national leader in educational leadership delivery and operational excellence.



This post is available until 30th August 2030 in the first instance.



Interviews are scheduled to take place in person, at the IOE, on Thursday 15th January 2026.

About you

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You will have significant experience leading complex operations within Higher Education or a comparable sector along with demonstrable experience of strategic planning, risk management, and cross-organisational programme delivery.



You will also have proven leadership of multi-disciplinary professional-services/ administrative teams.

Your application form should address all the person specification points and should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria.

It is important that the criteria are clearly numbered and that you provide a response to each one.

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:


41 Days holiday: 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days (pro rata for part time staff) Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme (pro rata for part time staff) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan Immigration loan Relocation scheme for certain posts On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



Our faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.