Full time, permanent.
Shape national education policy. Influence the debate. Lead transformational change.
Make A Difference
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to join our executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping education policy and professional leadership at a national level.
As Deputy General Secretary: Director of Policy and Professional Development, you will lead our work with policymakers and influencers, develop clear and authoritative policy positions, and drive the growth of our professional development and membership offer. You will also deputise for the General Secretary, representing the organisation in the media and at senior forums.
Why This Role Matters
This position provides strategic leadership across policy, professional development and membership growth —ensuring ASCL is a “go-to” choice for leaders across the sector. You will be leading our work to influence national education policy, building strong relationships with government, policymakers and key stakeholders. Representing the organisation nationally, including in the media and at major events, this position bridges strategy and delivery, playing a key role in delivering ASCL’s mission:
“Speaking on behalf of members. Acting on behalf of children and young people.”
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a confident and strategic senior leader with experience in education policy and at board level.
You will bring:
- Deep understanding of the education and membership organisation landscape
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Credibility and influence with senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic capability
- The judgement, discretion and resilience required for a high-profile role
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading our work to influence national education policy, building strong relationships with government, policymakers and key stakeholders.
- Developing and communicating clear, evidence-based policy positions that shape sector debate.
- Providing strategic leadership across policy, professional development and membership growth.
- Leading and inspiring senior teams, setting direction, goals and performance expectations.
- Representing the organisation at national events, conferences and in the media.
- Deputising for the General Secretary as required, including high-profile external representation.
What We Offer
ASCL is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits including
- Flexible working: Flexible working – a combination of working from home, attending external meetings and events and being in-person at our Leicester HQ as necessary.
- Generous leave: 33 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Pension: 9% employer contribution.
- Professional development: Ongoing training and peer support.
- Expenses covered: Travel, home-working allowance, and equipment provided.
- Inclusive culture: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
This is a hybrid role HQ. with a combination of working from home and being in-person at our Leicester HQ when necessary and travel across the UK as required. IT and telephone equipment will be provided.
If you’re ready to lead a team that makes a real difference to education leaders and organisations across the UK, we would love to hear from you.
INTERESTED?
The closing date for application is 4pm on Monday 6 July 2026.
Interviews will be held in-person, at ASCL HQ in Leicester on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026 but dependent on individual circumstances.
TO APPLY
To download the job description and person specification, follow the link on the 'Apply here' button above (which will take you to Networx Recruitment's website). From there, please complete your email address in the top right-hand box and click on the green 'Apply Now' button and follow the online application process.
iINDHIGH
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is the leading professional association and trade union for all school and college leaders. We are proud to support and represent more than 20,500 school and college leaders of primary, secondary and post-16 education from across the UK.
Our members are responsible for the education of more than four million young people and children. We work to shape national education policy, provides advice and support to our members and deliver first-class professional development.
