At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Director of EdTech Partnerships

Permanent

London: 115400 - 127800

Manchester: 110800 - 122802

Hybrid 2x days a week in the office - flexible working/ part-time/ job share requests can be considered

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education technology. As AQAs Director of EdTech Partnerships you will work at the forefront of digital innovation building commercial relationships and driving initiatives that help shape the future of assessment and learning. This senior role will give you the chance to influence the EdTech landscape and make a real impact on teachers students and the wider education sector.

Purpose of the role

In this role you will lead AQAs strategic engagement with the EdTech sector identifying and developing opportunities that align with our mission to advance education. You will be central to shaping commercial partnerships exploring acquisitions and ensuring AQA leverages technology and intellectual property to create new opportunities and drive meaningful change for learners of all abilities. You will also act as a bridge between AQA and the wider EdTech community bringing fresh insight challenging thinking and influencing both internal and external stakeholders to ensure AQA remains at the forefront of innovation in assessment and education technology.

Key responsibilities

In this role youll be responsible for:

• Identifying developing and leading strategic EdTech partnerships and potential acquisitions.
• Providing thought leadership on the role of EdTech in assessment and education representing AQA in external forums.
• Driving the delivery of innovative projects that support AQAs digital transformation and diversification.
• Developing strategic proposals and business cases for new EdTech initiatives partnerships and acquisitions aligned with AQAs mission and strategic objectives.

What we are looking for

Youll thrive in this role if you have:

• Extensive networks and expertise in the EdTech sector.
• Proven experience in leading strategic projects commercial partnerships or acquisitions in a technology-driven environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to develop business cases and strategic proposals.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative forward-thinking mindset and ability to work across diverse teams.

Whats in it for you

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of education and technology while developing your own career. Youll be part of a forward-looking organisation that values innovation and collaboration.

• The chance to influence education and assessment at a national and international level.
• Opportunities to grow your professional network across the EdTech and education sectors.
• A 35-hour weekand a flexible working culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 30 with service plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.
• An enhanced contributory pension scheme you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).
• Comprehensive health coveragefrom day one including Bupa PMI Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance.
• Access to eco-friendly transport schemes including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our D&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 1stOctober. First stage interviews will be held via MS Teams on the 10thOctober. Second stage interviews will be held F2F on the 17thOctober in London. Successful candidates will be supported with a thorough onboarding process to help you get started.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:
The Director of EdTech Partnerships will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading AQAs strategic engagement with the EdTech market particularly in the general qualifications sector but also in our global assessment services business. This role will be central to identifying developing and leading the strategic direction for commercial partnerships and potential acquisition activities within the EdTech sector. The postholder will leverage AQAs intellectual property to drive new opportunities ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of digital innovation and diversification. This role will position AQA as a thought leader in assessment and education technology working across departments and with external stakeholders and bringing a significant understanding of the EdTech landscape and its commercial dynamics. Success in this role will depend on extensive prior experience and established networks within the EdTech Director of EdTech Partnerships sits within AQAs Corporate Affairs and Strategy directorate reporting directly to the Executive Director. This is a senior expert role with significant influence across the organisation. The role is designed to operate cross-functionally working closely with teams such as Customer and Product Research and Innovation and Assessment Technology to drive forward strategic initiatives. These initiatives are shaped by AQAs core priorities including general qualification and assessment reform diversification the digital transformation of assessment and the development of innovative tools to support teachers and students. While not accountable for a specific budget or team the role will be critical in developing strategic business cases for strategic investments and partnerships in the EdTech space. Externally the postholder will engage with EdTech sector leaders innovators and working groups to influence and shape the broader educational technology landscape.

Strategic EdTech Partnerships & Development:
Identify and assess potential commercial partnerships and acquisition targets within the EdTech sector aligning with AQAs strategic objectives and product diversification agenda.

Lead the negotiation development and management of commercial partnerships with EdTech providers focusing on leveraging AQAs intellectual property and creating mutual value.

Drive any acquisition activity in the EdTech arena from due diligence to integration planning.

Develop strategic proposals and business cases for new EdTech initiatives partnerships and acquisitions aligned with AQAs mission and strategic objectives.

Work at pace to lead the delivery of strategic EdTech projects ensuring alignment with AQAs broader strategy.

EdTech Thought Leadership & Influence:
Monitor and analyse developments in educational technology including areas such as AI digital exams impact on teaching and learning and other digital innovation providing insight and recommendations to the Executive team and wider group.

Represent AQA in external forums consultations and working groups related to EdTech helping to shape the policy and market environment.

Showcase externally key aspects of AQAs progressive EdTech solutions and capability as it evolves championing our innovations and enhancing our reputation as a market leader.

Work with Customer and Product Corporate Affairs and other teams to support the launch and promotion of innovative EdTech initiatives and thought leadership.

Insight & Analysis:
Lead collaboration with other teams such as Customer and Product Assessment Technology Assessment Services and Research and Innovation to generate evidence that informs strategic decision-making regarding EdTech. This will include taking a high-level view of key strategic issues and positions.

Produce high-quality briefings reports and presentations for internal and external audiences including senior stakeholders such as the Executive Team Board of Trustees and key education figures on EdTech trends and opportunities.

Work with others to understand interpret and anticipate customer requirements for educational assessment technology products and services to drive the development of an innovative customer offer.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Establish strong relationships across AQA and build on relationships with external partners in the EdTech sector to foster a culture of innovation and strategic thinking.

Liaise with key supplier organisations to align outcomes plans and commercial constructs.

Driving forward AQAs technology requirements in a collaborative and constructive way with assessment technology product owners and third-party suppliers.

Liaise with other key AQA stakeholders such as the portfolio delivery team to align outcomes plans risks finances commercials and activities.

Lead enable develop and hold to account for performance in a matrix environment across teams within and outside of AQA.


Essential Experience & Skills:
Proven experience in leading significant strategic projects innovation or policy development in a complex organisation.

Demonstrable extensive networks and standing in the EdTech sector.

Significant understanding of the commercial dynamics opportunities and landscape within the EdTech sector.

Proven track record of leveraging education technology to inform strategic decision making and to add value to schools teachers and students.

Experience leading commercial partnerships and/or acquisition activities in a technology-driven environment.

Ability to assess complex information situations and issues and deploy creative and flexible problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.

Experience leading cross-functional projects or programmes.

Demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management including facilitation of large groups.

Ability to think long term strategically and commercially and to provide clear balanced and challenging recommendations and rationale for decisions.

Ability to influence at Executive Board and Senior leader level.

Desirable:
Previous experience in the education public or not-for-profit sectors.

Familiarity with innovation methodologies (e.g. design thinking agile strategy).

Previous experience of developing strategies in a commercially driven environment.

Values & Behaviours:
Demonstrates AQAs values and leadership behaviours.

Committed to diversity and inclusion.

Curious collaborative and forward-thinking.

Able to think about the big picture.