Associate Director, Education (Bright Spots Schools Connection)

Who we are
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with partners to alleviate disadvantage – towards an Australia where all people and communities thrive. The Bright Spots Schools Connection (The Connection) Team operates within SVA’s Ventures business unit. The Connection provides support to develop projects and actions that respond to the issues of education disadvantage in Australia’s most challenged school communities. The Connection operates in 2019 in four core and interconnected parts:

• Powerhouse Alumni Schools
• Star Hub Schools
• Over 20 annually convened activities including four national Thought Leadership Gatherings
• STEM Learning Hub

In 2020, the Connection initiative will transition into the renewed strategic plan of work 2020-2024. In addition to the original cohort of schools which will transition to alumni, a further 3 cohorts of schools and education providers of 50 settings each (total 150 schools) will commence being phased in from January 2020. They will focus on three priority areas:

• Rural, Remote & Regional Education (RRR)
• Competencies & Capabilities Education (CCE)
• Early Years Education (EYE) ages 3-8

SVA’s wider education agenda work includes:

• Developing whole sector change strategy for addressing educational disadvantage.
• Participating in educator sector forums and networks to advocate and influence for changes aligned to SVA Education strategy.
• Representing SVA in activities supported by the education related ventures portfolio.

The position
An exciting opportunity is on offer for an Associate Director, Education (Bright Spots Schools Connection) to play a key role in the management and effective delivery of The Connection program. Reporting to the Director of The Connection, this important role aims to support and drive effective program delivery and relevant stakeholder engagement, while actively contributing to program design, implementation, measurement and evaluation to drive and deliver effective practice. Your work will focus on identifying and supporting best practice in low SES schools to address education gaps and challenges at a national level. In the role you will partner with schools to develop and share best practice and innovations to impact student learning in low SES communities. 
  
Who you are
In this unique opportunity, we are looking for an individual with an established background working with school leaders and system leaders in the Australian education sector (or equivalent), including supporting the delivery of education outcomes to drive impact improvements. You will come to the role with a depth of knowledge in education research and measurement and evaluation processes – ideally with a special focus on knowledge data collection and analysis. Skilled in project delivery and stakeholder management, you will have existing personal networks across Australian education networks and proven success engaging with Australian educators. This position requires agility and flexibility as it involves working with influence and creativity and close interaction with a wide range of stakeholders concurrently. 

This unique role provides exposure to an interesting and rewarding scope of work addressing education disadvantage in Australia. You will join a highly committed team and see you forging close relationships with highly collaborative colleagues and stakeholders.

If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited to join our dynamic organisation, please submit your CV (max 3 pages) and a statement (max 1 page) addressing the position requirements by midnight AEST Wednesday 14 August 2019. SVA values diversity in our workforce and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

To find out more about SVA and view the position description please go to https://www.socialventures.com.au/careers.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to a first-stage interview in the week commencing 12 August 2019.