Head of College

JOB TITLE: Head of College (FE Specialist College)

LOCATION: Brighton

Team Domenica – About Us

Team Domenica is a vibrant and purpose-driven FE specialist college dedicated to supporting 35+ young adults with learning disabilities into meaningful, paid employment. With a success rate of 80% against a national average of just 4%, our innovative and holistic approach is creating real change.

We are now seeking a dynamic and passionate Head of College to join us at this pivotal moment, as we work toward becoming a National Centre of Excellence for employment pathways and an Outstanding provider of high-quality education and training.

Our Vision

• To create a society where young people with learning disabilities are valued in the workplace, thrive in life, and contribute to their communities.

Our Ambition

• To lead the way in transformative employment pathways, become digital trailblazers in our sector, and deliver exceptional educational outcomes aligned with our values of inclusion, ambition, and collaboration.

JOB SUMMARY

• This is a hands-on, operational leadership role at the heart of our college provision. The Head of College will ensure excellence in day-to-day delivery, particularly of Functional Skills and vocational pathways, while developing a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.
• You will:
• Lead, manage and develop a dedicated educational team of 6+ direct reports.
• Drive quality assurance and curriculum development for outstanding learner outcomes.
• Ensure the effective delivery of Functional Skills latest Conditions of Funding and government frameworks.
• Champion innovative approaches to teaching, learning and digital development.
• This role will include some class-based teaching.
• Work closely with the Co-CEO to deliver strategic aims through operational excellence.

REPORTING

LINE MANAGER: Co-CEO

LINE REPORTS: 6 Staff Members

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide exceptional educational operational leadership and uphold the highest standards of practice.
• Implement quality improvement strategies and prepare for inspection readiness acting as the designated Ofsted nominee.
• Identify and develop opportunities to integrate digital innovation into learning and operations.
• Oversee and develop curriculum planning including Functional Skills, timetabling, and learner progress tracking.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and funding body requirements.
• Support staff development and build a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maximise opportunities for learners.
• Promote inclusive practices that support individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
• This list should not be regarded as exclusive or exhausted as the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities in line with their role

All staff have the duty to:

• Maintain the health and safety of themselves, colleagues and candidates as well as the public and visitors to Team Domenica.
• Prioritise the safeguarding of candidates by following the procedures and principles laid out in our policies and associated legislations.
• Promote equality of opportunity and respect difference and diversity with the Team Domenica community.
• Maintain a professional stance while at work, including being a positive advocate of the work of Team Domenica.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven track record of excellence in Education or Specialist Education setting.
• Experience of working with young people with learning disabilities and Autism.
• Strong knowledge of Functional Skills delivery and conditions of Funding.
• Strong knowledge of current developments in digital learning and able to roll out digital transformation at Team Domenica.
• Operational and management experience – a doer, not just a planner.

Desirable

• Leadership experience in Specialist FE provision.
• Ofsted or shadow nominee experience.
• ILR data management and ESFA audit experience for high needs funding.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified teacher status

Person Specification

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and capacity in teams to deliver key objectives.
• A growth mindset – eager to learn, adapt, and grow with the organisation.
• Passionate about employment outcomes, inclusion, and social impact.

WE CAN OFFER

• An opportunity to make a real difference to young people's lives.
• A warm, inclusive, and values-driven team culture.
• A role with genuine impact and long-term growth potential.
• Support from an inspiring Co-CEO and a committed Engaged Board of Trustees.

BENEFITS

• Company Sick Pay: (post probation) 15 days in any 12-months rolling period for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Workplace Pension Contribution: 3% employer, 5% employee.
• Staff Discounts: 25% discount in our cafes and coffee products.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please complete the application form, as well as sending a copy of your CV and a covering letter to:   Shortlisted candidates will be emailed a Team Domenica Application Form to complete and return prior to interview as part of our Safer Recruitment policy.

TEAM DOMENICA

Team Domenica is a Brighton-based charity supporting young people with learning disabilities – our candidates – into paid employment. We create futures for the individuals we support, helping them to discover their full potential, live happy fulfilled lives, and feel included within the local community.

Team Domenica is committed to the safeguarding and protection of young people and vulnerable adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references and enhanced DBS certificate.  Safeguarding Training will be given once the successful candidate begins their role.

Team Domenica is dedicated to providing an inclusive working environment that encourages diversity and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to supporting a team that is representative of a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.

As part of our recruitment process, Team Domenica collects, stores and processes personal data relating to job applicants.

Please refer to our Safer Recruitment Policy for information regarding all of the steps in our recruitment process and to find out more about how we use and protect the information you provide.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person