Head of Strategy and Service Development (Learning Disabilities)

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Job description

A Cheshire based charity supporting people with learning disabilities is seeking a Head of Strategy and Service Development to provide leadership and direction whilst working closely with the Board to ensure that the charity achieves its strategic aims and objectives.

Role Purpose:

• To work with the Board in developing and implementing strategic and delivery plans that drive the growth and transformation of the organisation, ensuring these plans align with the evolving needs of people with learning disabilities.
• To provide visionary leadership and direction for the organisation, ensuring the successful achievement of its mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• To act as a key advisor to the Board, providing strategic recommendations, insights, and information in a timely and effective manner to support decision-making processes.
• To lead the development of communication strategies and relationship-building initiatives that foster trust and confidence among sector providers, stakeholders, and sponsors, ensuring their active engagement in the organisation s mission.
• To inspire, coordinate, and motivate staff and volunteer teams to deliver innovative, high-quality learning programs, and to manage the organisation s resources effectively and efficiently in accordance with agreed plans and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• To drive the work of the organisation forward as a sector innovator and leader by leading the implementation of strategic and delivery plans, and working collaboratively with the Board, supported learners, families, and key stakeholders to adapt and refine these plans in response to emerging opportunities and challenges.
• To build the organisation to full operational status in accordance with the delivery plan and ensure the necessary resources are available to operate effectively.
• To provide transformational leadership to the senior team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and conducting regular reviews and appraisals to ensure that all staff contribute effectively to the organisation s strategic goals.
• To spearhead sector engagement and networking efforts, positioning the organisation as a thought leader in the field of learning disabilities and education, and leveraging these connections to drive innovation and growth.
• To champion a culture of professionalism within the organisation, including the establishment of high standards for workforce qualifications, continuous professional development, and the implementation of best practices in teaching, learning, leadership, and management.
• To cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders, sponsors, and sector organisations, ensuring these relationships generate measurable benefits for both the organisation and the individuals it supports.
• To provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the organisation s financial health and resilience through careful planning, control, and probity.

Skills and attributes sought:

• Education to degree level or equivalent
• Higher degree/professional qualification (desirable)
• Able to demonstrate strategic leadership of, or significant strategic contribution to, a business or organisation
• Able to demonstrate organisational change management skills at both strategic and operational levels
• Experience of building, leading, motivating and developing successful teams
• Able to demonstrate well developed networking reach within the sector and related activities
• Experience of evidence based strategic policy development
• Experience of effectively representing an organisation publicly and to the media
• Experience of embedding the principles of equality of opportunity, diversity, safeguarding and inclusiveness within the policies and practices of an organisation

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Change management
• Working in a taut organisation with financial constraints
• Negotiating and influencing at a strategic level
• Networking, interpersonal and collaboration skills and experience in effective partnership working
• Stakeholder management
• Commercial, business and political acumen
• Exceptional presentation skills
• Robust financial management

If you feel you could be a good fir for this position, apply now and send us your CV.

Appointment will be subject to DBS and right to work checks and satisfactory reference.

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