Assistant Director Education, Aspirations & Achievement

Hartlepool is a close-knit and ambitious borough where improving the life chances of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. With an Outstanding Children's Services department, strong support for education and a genuine commitment to partnership working, this is an opportunity to join a leadership team focused on delivering lasting change. We are looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Assistant Director, Education, Aspirations and Achievement and help shape the future of education, inclusion and opportunity across the borough.

As Assistant Director, you will lead a diverse portfolio spanning school improvement, inclusion, alternative provision, SEND reform, early years, skills and employability, education sufficiency, vulnerable learners, youth services and strategic education planning. Working closely with schools, trusts, colleges, employers, health partners and communities, you will champion excellence, inclusion and aspiration, ensuring every child and young person has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

We are seeking a leader with significant senior experience in education or children's services, a strong track record of driving improvement and transformation, and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing education today. Building on the strong foundations already in place, you will bring the vision, credibility and collaborative leadership needed to sustain excellence, strengthen partnerships and deliver meaningful improvements in outcomes for children and young people. You will be someone who can translate strategy into action, influence across complex systems and inspire high-performing teams to deliver change at pace.

In return, you will join an authority that values collaboration, innovation and collective leadership. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working arrangements, employee wellbeing support and a comprehensive benefits package. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of education and opportunity in a borough that is ambitious for its children, young people and communities.