Digital Learning Lead

We are looking for a Digital Learning Lead to develop and lead the implementation of best practice approaches in the educational use of digital technology across the Harris Federation.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

In the first instance, this will be achieved through joint project management and rollout of a new Federation wide SharePoint eco system. This is an exciting time to deliver a new ecosystem that will lay the foundation for future enhancement and uses of technology across all aspects of the Federation (Educational and Corporate).

You will then begin to identify the best uses of digital technology to promote learning, by engaging with latest research and by working across our academies in consultation with teachers and Principals. Through your leadership and networking within the Federation you will ensure the best approaches to improving educational outcomes are strategised, implemented, evaluated and are widely disseminated. Your work will involve the development of a Federation-wide Digital Learning strategy, building coalitions to implement and test this and then to disseminate the work. You will produce a wide range of training resources working with the Federation Consultant Leaders and Digital Learning Leaders in each Academy and you will Chair the Federation Digital Strategy Group, which will inform the priorities of the Federation IT team.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Qualifications to degree level and above
• Profound understanding of the power and potential of Digital Technology to improve educational outcomes
• Excellent knowledge of the Microsoft suite of learning technologies, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Office365, OneNote and Teams - and of their use in supporting learning in the classroom and at home
• Strong knowledge of the national curriculum programme of study for the subject and of current subject developments
• Experience of improving, leading and developing teachers in their professional development
• At least two years in a management role
• Clear evidence of having raised standards of achievement at all levels
• Ability to clearly articulate a vision for the future of which enthuses and motivates
• Ability to plan and deliver effective training and development programmes which meet identified needs within the academies
• Excellent ICT skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A self-starter with the resilience and ability to plan individual programmes of work and achieve designated targets
• An ability to work flexibly, including some weekends, evenings as and when required and residential courses
• Excellent communication skills – orally, in written form, and in your interpersonal dealings with others
• A quick learner, able to assimilate to the practices and dynamics of a large organisation

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme (up to 40% discount)
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that's why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.