Project Manager

Rethinking Assessment is entering an exciting new phase having just launched our vision for a new learner profile; delivered three action research pilots with groups of schools and colleges focusing on interdisciplinary learning and assessment, creative thinking and oracy; and secured buy-in and endorsement from major players across the education and skills spectrum.

We are now looking to grow our team as we expand our work over the next 2 years around the following main activities : 

1. Putting the learner profile concept into practice, developing a robust digital prototype working with groups of schools - co-design with teachers, school/college leaders and young people 

2. Developing the assessment practices and support for teachers that is needed to implement the profile effectively

3. Working closely with employers and higher education providers to ensure the learner profile meets their needs and will be able to be used for progression to higher education and into employment

4. Continuing to build our community of aligned educators and partners committed to a more holistic vision for education - leading thinking nationally and internationally around the future of assessment, and campaigning for change

We are looking to hire an experienced Project Manager who can lead our work with schools/colleges, as well as supporting the delivery of other key workstreams. The Project Manager will work closely with the Project Director and core steering group to successfully develop and deliver the four programmes of work and help us achieve our goals. The ideal start date would be 1st September 2022 but we are flexible for the right candidate. 

You will be enthused by the prospect of working in a start-up organisation, open to innovative approaches and agile ways of working, and continuous learning. You will embrace working in a fast paced environment, where no day is the same. Having strong initiative, you will work both autonomously and collaboratively in a small team. You’ll love coming up with creative ideas and spotting opportunities to grow this leading initiative which has big ambitions. 

The successful candidate will be…

• Aligned with our vision that all children receive a high quality, holistic education of the Head (academics), Heart (character and well being) and Hand (creativity and making a difference), one that prepares them for the 21st century
• A collaborative team player, who is excited about, and confident working with, a range of stakeholders and partners across the education sector
• Possess brilliant logistical and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• An excellent communicator, and has strong written communication skills 
• Comfortable working in a constantly changing work environment and taking initiative
• Feel ready to embrace a start-up culture: willing to try new tools and innovative ways of working
• Tech savvy and willing to work with a range of collaborative tools and applications
• Passionate about education, diversity, equity and inclusion and the issues surrounding social justice and mobility
• Comfortable using social media to share information, engage in discussion and build community

You’ll love this job if.. 

• You enjoy working in a fast paced, startup environment
• You want to be part of a growing force for innovation in education
• You enjoy working collaboratively with committed people in a purposeful environment
• You have an exceptional attention to detail, and are a naturally organised person
• You enjoy taking ownership of your work and shaping projects 
• You are passionate about education and creating opportunities for young people

Big Education

Rethinking Assessment is housed within Big Education and you will have the chance to make connections with the wider team. 

Big Education is a pioneering charity and Multi Academy Trust. Our vision is that all children receive a high quality, holistic education. Our aim is to inspire leaders to provide a holistic education, design programmes and products that enable them to do this, and support them to work towards systemic change. We believe deeply that we need to educate the whole child – Head (academics), Heart (character and well being) and Hand (creativity and making a difference). And if we do that with innovation and rigour, then young people will be equipped to make a difference to the world.

There are three main strands to Big Educations’ work:

• Running schools: Big Education is currently running three schools and have had permission from the Department for Education to open another two. The schools that we are currently running are: School 21, Surrey Square Primary and School 360.
• Building an ecosystem: We want to create a series of products and programmes that allow us to take the innovative practice from our schools and share it with others across the country. 
• Thought leadership and creating a movement for change: We want to build a coalition of people who are united around the idea that the education system needs to be done differently. We want to influence those in the highest positions in government, business and education to make decisions that are a catalyst for change.

Please view the full job description for this role on Big Education's website: www.bigeducation.org/careers.

Diversity & Inclusion - The foundation for innovation, helping us to achieve a Big Education

In order to create an education that equips all young people for an ever changing world, diversity and inclusion must be at the heart of what we do. We believe in the power of authenticity, empowerment and vulnerability in the workplace, and strive to make sure everyone feels comfortable bringing their true selves to work. We believe diversity is a core component in creating the innovation required to transform the sector, and recognise that we play an important role in A) creating lasting change on the ground and B) being part of sector-wide change. We’re a growing organisation and are building a culture where difference is valued and inclusion is at its core. We believe inclusion unlocks the power of diversity, and diverse perspectives enrich our team, adding value and impact to our work. 

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply for roles within our organisation. Please reach out to us if there are any barriers preventing you from applying. 

How to apply 

Please complete the online application which can be found here

Application deadline: Friday 15th July at 5pm

Provisional interview date: Thursday 21st July