Director of Strategy and Research
The Director of Strategy and Research is responsible for ensuring Teach First’s work is evidence-led
and informed by a clear understanding of broader changes in the educational landscape: a large
part of this role is externally focused and future-looking. You will lead Teach First’s research,
strategy and planning teams to create the platform for the Executive Team to build organisational
strategy. Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance and Strategy you will play a crucial role in
shaping Teach First’s plans and ensuring that all of our programmes are as impactful as possible and
help us to meet the 2022 Fair Education Impact Goals (FEIG).
What you do
At this level you will:
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Report to the Executive Director of Finance and Strategy
Manage the Strategy and Research department
Establish and implement organisational strategies with a longer-term focus (typically three to
five years) based on the organisation’s vision.
Regularly participate in Executive Committee discussions on strategy
Be part of the Senior Leadership Forum
Your responsibilities include:
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Facilitating the Executive team in the development of Teach First’s 2019-2022 strategy,
focusing on maximising impact to help meet the 2022 FEIG, and future long-term strategic
plans.
Establishing the process for long-term strategic planning beyond 2022.
Identifying external strategic opportunities and threats for Teach First and leading the
organisational response.
Developing, managing and commissioning internal and external research into the impact of
Teach First’s programmes as well as the wider internal and external strategic landscapes to
inform Teach First’s strategy.
Managing the Strategy and Research department to deliver high quality analysis and support for
the wider organisation. Develop and support team members.
Providing analysis of the wider educational landscape, to inform teams across the organisation,
maximise strategic positioning within the education sector and minimise risk.
Informing the development of Teach First’s existing and new programmes in line with
evaluation and external evidence. Recommend which activities should be supported, scaled up
or stopped.
Maintaining a broad network of researchers; academics; thinkers and policymakers and ensuring
they are helping to inform Teach First’s strategy.
Identifying collective opportunities to engage in research with external organisations.
Communicating and implementing the organisation's strategy internally and externally so that
all employees, partners, and the wider Teach First community understand the organisation’s
strategic plan and how it delivers against the FEIG; speaking at events on behalf of Teach First.
Shared responsibility for communicating data and research about Teach First externally.
The critical responsibilities of this role are described above. They may be subject to change at
any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
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You’re good at
Essential:
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Delivering Results:
o A strategic thinker with proven experience of business strategy development. Has a
good understanding of organisational dynamics and business process and policies.
Experience of advising senior leadership on strategic issues and supporting high-level
teams to make informed decisions.
o Able to anticipate the challenges and opportunities which arise from political, social
and marketplace changes and translate these into coherent strategy.
o Experience of running strategic planning exercises.
Knowing the market:
o Broad knowledge of the education sector and the evidence base for improving the life
chances of young people from low income backgrounds.
Data management and insight:
o An understanding of standard research methodologies and techniques.
o Is a champion of evidence-based decision making. Draws together and presents
reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and complex evidence and
data. Proven ability to condense large amounts of complex information into clear and
short papers and presentations.
People management and development:
o Experience of leading successful teams.
Desired:
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Project Management:
o Experience of designing and executing project and programme structures, including
project deliverables, team structures and governance models.
o Ability to take ownership of complex projects.
Relationship Management:
o A network of relationships with key researchers; academics and policymakers within the
education sector.
Apply
To apply for a vacancy at Teach First you are required to complete an online application form.
Please have your CV and covering letter ready to upload. If you are an internal candidate please
apply via your HR Self Service menu. Please apply by 8 January 2017.
Salary
£88,740 + excellent benefits. Roles based in London will also receive a £3000 London weighting
allowance in addition to their base salary.
Next Steps
We aim to provide feedback to all applications within 10 working days from the closing date. Please
note that first stage interviews are likely to take place on week commencing 08 January 2017, with
second stage interviews the following week.
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