Head of Partnerships (Life Competencies)

Purpose of Role

As part of the central Learning and Innovation team, the Head of Partnerships (Life Competencies) plays a pivotal role in overseeing development and effective implementation of initiatives driving the Life Competencies Strategy across our network of schools.

Guided by iSP’s Learning.First. methodology, the Head of Life Competencies will work closely with colleagues in the central Learning and Innovation team, across our network of schools and with subject matter experts to ensure we continuously improve the way we support students to develop and demonstrate life competencies. This is a fully remote role based in Europe, or another part of the world where ISP has an entity.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Head of Partnerships (Life Competencies) Key Responsibilities

• Take a project management approach to lead work to operationalise iSP’s Life Competencies Strategy, underpinned by iSP’s approach to learning, Learning.First., and internal quality assurance and continuous improvement frameworks.
• In close collaboration with Learning colleagues and schools, drive and scale initiatives driving the iSP Life Competencies Strategy with the goal of increased alignment across our network of schools.
• Actively showcase best practice across our network of schools and empower schools to continuously learn and get better in the development and measurement of life competencies through initiatives including communities of practice.
• Work closely with the Head of LabSchools and agreed processes to ensure alignment in Life Competency and EdTech strategies where Life Competencies is a focus.
• Lead on piloting, iterating and improving existing approaches to developing, demonstrating and evaluating life competencies.
• Collect and analyse data to support schools and regions set targets and inform action.
• Coordinate input to initiatives at iSP which support the development or measurement of life competencies or the Life Competencies Strategy.
• Explore strategic partnerships to transform ISP’s life competencies offering and collaborate with or engage internal and external subject matter experts to develop programmes and offerings that provide best-in-class support for schools.
• Support central Brand and regional marketing to raise the profile of ISP’s unique Life Competencies strategy as a core differentiator and value-add.
• Provide timely updates on the implementation and impact of the Life Competencies strategy and progress reports against KPIs to various audiences.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Strong project management skills from initiation through planning, risk management, execution, monitoring and evaluation including excellent stakeholder management. The Head will be required to communicate effectively with diverse range of stakeholders (across time zones) including students, teachers, heads of school, Learning colleagues, Executive Committee, Board and subject matter experts.
• Experience leading programmes or initiatives designed to help students develop and or demonstrate their life competencies, preferably in a K-12 setting.
• Excellent communication skills (C2 level or equivalent English).
• Capable of designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of student life competencies initiatives. This includes collecting and analysing relevant data, measuring outcomes and impact to inform future improvements and initiatives.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to promote inclusivity, respect for and celebration of our diverse community of students, colleagues and families.
• Proficient in budgeting and contract/vendor management – able to allocate resources efficiently and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising the effectiveness of initiatives.

Desirable

• C1 level or above in Spanish and/or B2 equivalent in an additional world language.
• Experience working with various curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International, and their approaches for developing students’ life competencies. 
• Knowledge of or experience in designing, evidencing and/or evaluating student life competencies.

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

1. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.

1. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

1. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

1. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

1. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.

1. Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.