GLF Schools is seeking an outstanding Director of Partnerships and Engagement to strengthen and expand the relationships that enable the Trust to deliver exceptional outcomes for children, families and communities. This is a pivotal role in shaping how GLF Schools works in deep partnership with local authorities and system partners to maximise opportunity, influence and impact for the benefit of our children.
Your Opportunity
As Director of Partnerships and Engagement, the successful candidate will lead the strategic development and management of high-impact partnerships that expand opportunities for GLF children. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, Executive Team and senior leaders, they will position GLF as a sector-leading Trust, building strong relationships locally, regionally and nationally.
The postholder will develop and nurture partnerships with schools, system leaders, government bodies, corporate organisations and wider stakeholders, ensuring that GLF is at the forefront of collaboration and innovation.
They will play a key role in supporting GLF’s growth strategy, leading early engagement with prospective schools and helping to shape regional development and expansion. Alongside this, there will be opportunities to work across the Trust to embed a culture of collaboration, enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening partnerships both within GLF and externally.
They will also contribute to system leadership, representing GLF at senior forums, bringing in external insight and shaping thought leadership to ensure the Trust continues to evolve and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
This will be a hybrid post, with a base at our GLF Schools Head Office in Banstead, Surrey, and travel required across the Trust and to partner organisations as needed.
What we are looking for
- Senior leadership experience in education, public sector or complex multi-stakeholder environments
- Proven track record of building and leading high-impact partnerships
- Ability to influence at Executive and Board level
- Strong experience representing organisations at regional or national level
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication and influencing skills
- Strong understanding of the education landscape and policy environment
- Ability to work collaboratively and drive impact across organisational boundaries
- Experience contributing to system-wide improvement and knowledge sharing
- Strategic, proactive and solutions-focused mindset
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Kindness and Ambition
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
Our Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish
- Access to our highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Career pathways and talent management
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Salary: Leadership 3 - £75,000
Start Date: As soon as available
Contract type: Permanent, full time (36 hours a week, 52 weeks a year).
Closing date: 31st May 2026
Interview date: TBC
Safeguarding Statement:
At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.
GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:
- Everyone is respected and valued.
- Discrimination is never tolerated.
- Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
- Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.
To help us manage applications efficiently:
- We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.
