JOB TITLE: GRADE: EMPLOYER: LOCATION: ACCOUNTABLE TO: KEY RELATIONSHIPS: New Academies Development Manager (Free Schools) Senior Principal Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) Initially based at Oxford Diocesan Office in North Hinksey village, on the outskirts of Oxford and travelling across the Diocese of Oxford However, Church House will be relocating to Church House, Longford Locks, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1HZ in Spring 2016 Director of Education Works closely with the Director of Education and ODBE Senior Leadership Team; the Diocesan and Area New Communities Group; Contact and liaison with Department for Education (DfE) officers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKGROUND Currently the ODBE provides educational services to a high number of schools in the Diocese of Oxford. The new government has announced plans to create 500 new free schools across the country during this parliament. Across this Diocese we estimate that there is likely to be the need for over 50 new schools in the next 10 years, so the opportunity is significant for us to ensure that some new Church of England schools form part of that new school provision. This new post will enable us to secure this. This will involve extensive relationship building with local communities, church groups, Local Authorities, the DfE officers and other partners to identify priority areas across the Diocese where new school bids should be submitted. The Christian vision of the ODBE; its ethos and principles underpin all aspects of the way the company runs. The post-holder must be committed to ODBE principles and values, and support the Diocesan "Living Faith" framework.
JOB PURPOSE This role will be responsible for working closely with the ODBE, Diocesan New Communities Group, the local communities and clergy to prepare, secure support for, and submit new school bids via the free school, local competition and any other suitable routes. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. As a member of the ODBE Senior Leadership Team and working within the strategic plans of ODBE and the wider Diocese, identify priority areas to submit new school bids across the Diocese 2. Prepare, develop and submit suitable proposals for new schools, ensuring high quality, and compliance with government requirements to maximise the chance of success 3. Work with key stakeholders to see the successful bids through to successful academy openings 4. Other Contribute to organisational systems and processes MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. As a member of the ODBE Senior Leadership Team and working within the strategic plans of ODBE and the wider Diocese, identify priority areas to submit new school bids across the Diocese To formulate, plan and implement the substantial development of a strategic approach to the development of new Church of England Schools across the Diocese, working proactively with Local Authorities, and the DfE to demonstrate the need for new schools and to provide direction and support to the local parishes. To communicate a clear strategy for the development of Church of England Schools and Academies throughout the Diocese To build good relationships with key stakeholders in order to understand the school market place and enable promotion of successful school bids and lay the groundwork for subsequent bids, bearing in mind that some will take several years to come to fruition.
2. Prepare, develop and submit suitable proposals for new free schools, ensuring high quality, and compliance with government requirements to maximise the chance of success To work closely with the ODBE, suitable Multi Academy Trusts, the Church s New Communities Group, Local Authorities, DfE, housing consortiums and local incumbents & communities to gain support for the proposals Consulting with a wide range of senior education leaders including Headteachers, Chairs of governing bodies, Directors of Education, DBE members, DfE officials to identify and liaise with the appropriate academy company which will be formally making the bid whether that is the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST), another diocesan multi-academy trust (MAT) or through the establishment of a new academy company To carry out robust financial projections for every bid which is prepared To managing a range of professionals assisting with the preparation of the bids To provide regular reports to the ODBE on the progress on new bids and proposals and make recommendations as appropriate 3. Work with key stakeholders to see the successful bids through to successful free school/ academy openings To prepare project plans and report on progress To carry out the effective delivery of local consultations Working with key stake holders to ensure that curriculum plans for the schools are broad, support pupils learning and will meet parental expectations To manage recruitment processes for new personnel in the free school To administer the Project Development Grant (PDG) for free school projects To market and promote plans for new free schools To develop key policies for new free schools to run in compliance with the legislation and DfE guidance 4. Other Contribute to organisational systems and processes To contribute to the identification and implementation of the ODBE strategic priorities as identified in the strategic plan To comply and fully co-operate with the Diocese of Oxford s Health & Safety Policy. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of technical competency areas and take a proactive approach to continuous professional and personal development To carry out any other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required in line with operational needs To participate in the Diocese of Oxford performance management process
PLANNING AND ORGANISATION Analyses all new school bidding options and prioritises those which stand the greatest chance of success and those in the highest priority areas. Explains and promotes decisions to the ODBE Ensures that all new bids are well prepared, managed effectively and meet the required timescales for the bids Carefully manages all stakeholder relationships Prepares termly reports for the Director and the ODBE and the Board Provides specialist advice to a range of parties about the requirements for opening a new school DECISIONS Identifies priorities and makes informed decisions on the most appropriate bids and recommends to the Board Decides on which stakeholders to engage and at what time to secure support for bids Interprets questions and provides appropriate responses to internal and external enquiries based on research and/or technical knowledge or experience where appropriate. CONTACT WITH OTHERS Internal The Director of Education & the two Deputy Directors and educational advisers. Members of the ODBE Staff members from ODBF All staff members of the ODBE and ODST teams New Communities Group/s Local incumbents Deaneries and PCC members Diocesan Church House staff External Headteachers and other school staff Chairs of Governors/Governors and Academy Directors Officers from Local Authorities Other Multi-Academy Trust companies Officials from the DfE and other government agencies Contractors, consultants and other service providers Officers at the National Society/other Dioceses Residents of new communities
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and EXPERIENCE: Essential Knowledge and Experience Detailed understanding of the State education sector, including new school provision A working knowledge of the law as it relates to education and in particular free schools Strong financial budgeting and management skills including income generation Ability to draw up policy documents, reports and briefings Understanding of the complex school improvement environment Experience of to prepare, submit and secure bids and manage related projects Experience of opening new schools, especially via LA competitions or Free School bids Proven track record of implementing strategy Experience of managing and influencing senior stakeholders such as senior leaders in school, senior DfE officials. Skills and Competencies Ability to think strategically to provide vision and direction Politically astute with excellent networking skills Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to negotiate and influence ideas and opinions through collaborative working Honesty, personal integrity and high emotional intelligence when reaching decisions; taking responsibility for actions and consequences Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentially and work sensitively The ability to manage complex projects ie to prioritise, plan and organise when under pressure acting with decisiveness and determination when dealing with difficult situations, Proactive approach with the ability to work independently with little supervision Empathy with the work of the Church of England in education ICT literate and willing to embrace new technologies and social media as marketing and promotion tools Flexibility, as there will be the requirement to attend some evening meetings Desirable Project management qualification Knowledge of the structures of the Diocese and the wider Church of England Committed to the personal and professional development of self and others, including the ability to give and receive effective feedback
GENERAL INFORMATION Remuneration Salary scale Senior Principal Hours of work Nominal record of 35 hours, Monday to Friday, but a flexible approach to working is expected Place of work Initially at Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey, Oxford. From Spring 2016 at Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Langford Lane, Kidlington, OX5 1HZ Holidays Equivalent to 22 days paid leave rising to 25 after 1 year. In addition to the public holidays the office is closed on Ascension Day, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve. Pension Provision Membership of the Church of England Pensions Board Pension Builder 2014 Scheme Probation period Six months, during which time progress is regularly reviewed and the period may be extended. Notice period 1 month during the probation period and 3 months from either side, or the statutory minimum (whichever is greater) thereafter. Circumstances Currently the office is located in North Hinksey village, on the outskirts of Oxford. However we will be relocating to Church House Oxford in Kidlington in spring 2016 Travel within the Diocese of Oxford Travel to national and regional training and networking events May be required to work occasional evenings, occasional overnight stays in relation to training NOTE: The current main duties and responsibilities of this post are outlined in this job description. The list is not meant to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, shared accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities, commensurate with the post s banding and whenever reasonably instructed. It is the practice of the Diocese of Oxford to review job descriptions annually to ensure that they relate to the role as then being performed or to incorporate whatever reasonable changes that have occurred over time or are being proposed. This review will be carried out by the line manager in consultation with the post-holder before any changes are implemented. The post-holder is expected to participate fully in such discussions and implementation. Date of Next Review: September 2016