Founding Director – Dale Futures

Lead the establishment of a brand-new organisation with an ambition to reduce the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) across the borough of Rochdale.

Who we are

Dale Futures is a soon-to-launch community-focused organisation established in partnership between The Ogden Trust and Rochdale AFC Community Trust. This new organisation represents an exciting step for these partners, who continually strive to support the diverse communities across Rochdale.

The provisions they provide will support young people and adults aged between 11-25 through three distinct elements of delivery, which are:

• Alternative provision
• Employability services
• Further education with a sports and coaching focus

About the role

As our Founding Director, you will be the primary leader of curriculum development, responsible for helping design and quality assure our provision. You will lead the process of creating a research-informed alternative provision to maximise outcomes for the young people we will engage, further building our reputation as a trusted partner to the wider education sector and supporting the future growth in our recruitment.

From an operational perspective, you will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation, being accountable for all our activities. You will lead the recruitment of service users, ensuring that we are an attractive option for our target audience. We have big ambitions for our future, and you will have the opportunity to lead this growth.

Furthermore, you will also oversee our financial performance through sound financial planning and leading activities that generate additional

income. Our financial health and the recruitment of new colleagues will be in your hands.

This role is an exciting and multi-faceted opportunity for someone to take an exciting career step and join an organisation at its inception. Underpinned by an ambition to become recognised as a valued and trusted education partner across Rochdale, the possibilities will be endless.

Who we are looking for

Candidates will need experience and knowledge of alternative provision. An understanding of the Rochdale ecosystem, from both an educational and societal perspective, will be essential.

You will have a track record of success in developing and delivering high-quality provision. Your credibility in this area, coupled with your skills as a relationship builder, will ensure you are well-placed to influence local education leaders to recommend the provision we will deliver.

Experience in strategic planning and organisational development progress is important to ensure our establishment is smooth. An ability to foresee risks and challenges and work with colleagues and our Board to overcome these in collaborative, creative and innovative ways is also vital.

You will also possess astute financial acumen and preferably fundraising experience.

Most importantly, you will champion Dale Futures and, by association, The Ogden Trust and Rochdale AFC Community Trust, demonstrating your values-led leadership by empowering your colleagues—and your learners—to achieve their potential.

Benefits:

• 20 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Pension
• Free parking

This role represents an excellent opportunity for professional development. To this end, the appointed candidate will also have the support of senior colleagues from across The Ogden Trust, Rochdale AFC Community Trust and the associated Trustee Board.

Peridot Partners and Dale Futures are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click ‘Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th January 2025.