Professional Development Manager - SPARK Schools Support - Rosebank at SPARK Schools

Purpose of Role:

The Professional Development Manager is responsible for the professional development of educators and instructional leaders network-wide. This role equips school leaders and educators to drive excellence and consistency in data-driven instruction through the implementation of SPARK’s personalised learning model. The Professional Development Manager designs and facilitates delivery of learning and development opportunities aligned with the needs of the network and individual schools.

Reports To: Head of School Achievement

Requirements
Design and implement network-wide professional development

• Use scholar achievement data to identify network-wide (Arc of the Year) and school-specific focus areas for professional development, in partnership with instructional leaders and the School Achievement team.
• Scope and plan centralised agendas and objectives for pre-service professional development, weekly professional development, and termly Data Days.
• Provide training to instructional leaders and the School Achievement team on the “See In, Name It, Do It” (SINIDI) framework of professional development facilitation, for consistency in training delivery.
• Monitor the effectiveness and impact of professional development programs and prepare reports and recommendations related to outcomes and proposed improvements or action steps.
• Where relevant, identify external suppliers or resources for professional development, evaluate their effectiveness, and initiate partnerships in line with SPARK’s business practices and budgets.
• Oversee the implementation of Naledi (SPARK model codification) to drive excellence and consistency in network-wide school leadership
• Monitor the effectiveness of the implementation and adoption of the codification in schools through agreed metrics.
• Define and implement processes related to the change, update, addition, or deletion of resources the codification knowledge management platform.
• Deliver training to school leaders on how to use the codification to improve execution in the SPARK model’s five key drivers.
• Provide ongoing support for scholar achievement
• Build a regular rhythm of school visits and observations, in order to evaluate consistency and quality of professional development across SPARK Schools network, as well as identify the highest leverage network-wide and school-specific action steps for implementation.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of new instructional school leaders.
• Ensure alignment of instructional practices across the network and in line with SPARK Schools practices, policies, and core values.
• Provide relevant reports and analytics to key stakeholders regarding the SPARK Schools network.
• Enforce compliance with ethical standards guided by the company values and mission.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
• Update job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

Qualifications and Criteria:The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Degree in education
• SACE accreditation
• At least 3-5 years of experience leading a team in school management and instruction with evidence of high achievement
• Experience leading the design and delivery of instructional professional development
• Experience coaching school leaders through an instructional framework
• Track record of leading effective professional development and coaching others to do so

Competencies:

• Critical thinking skills applied to strategic planning, data analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and confident decision-making.
• Professional, clear, and concise written and verbal communication, which can be tailored by audience and brief.
• Ability and willingness to take initiative, in order to drive one’s own development and team leadership in a fast-paced environment;
• Calm and resilience to lead self and others through challenges;
• Strong organisational skills that allow a detail-oriented approach, while maintaining a “big picture” view.
• Ability to consolidate feedback in order to clearly communicate highest leverage action steps.

Qualities:

• Grit: Persistence through challenges.
• Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
• Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
• Self­ Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.
• Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness

Benefits

SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration
• performance-based annual bonuses and increases
• above average/good annual leave
• life, disability and funeral cover
• employee wellness support
• educational support & study leave
• individualised professional development, support and mentorship
• employee discount on school fees
• opportunities for career growth