The College of Optometrists has an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and skilled education professional to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of all aspects of our role in qualifying and developing the profession, in order to ensure confidence in the role of optometrists across the UK.

Optometrists have a major part to play in the health of the nation. Healthcare is changing rapidly, and even faster due to COVID-19, and we want to ensure that the optometric profession has the skills and confidence to take on the opportunities. The education landscape is also changing. In addition to the rapid changes needed due to COVID-19, the regulator is currently reviewing all qualifications and training leading to registration to ensure they equip students to meet patient needs into the future.

The College, a Royal Charter body and registered charity, has an important role to play in qualifying and developing the profession and supporting members’ to enable them to build their expertise and gain the knowledge and skills they need to develop their careers.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional Director of Education to:

• Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of all aspects of the College’s role in qualifying and educating the profession, to meet the required standards and ensure confidence in the role of optometrists across the UK.
• Build on the College’s standing as the professional body for optometry through the provision of high quality training and assessment during an extended period of change.
• Develop the College’s leadership role in continuing professional development and post-registration education, to enable optometrists to develop and gain recognition for their expertise in the context of changing workforce development needs.

This role reports to the Chief Executive and is part of the Senior Management Team. The successful candidate will have experience of working in a similar senior position within optometry or other area of healthcare, with responsibility for developing education programmes, training and assessments. As a result of this, they will be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of education and assessment, including latest research and trends.

As well as high levels of integrity, successful applicants must also be able to demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Implementation and management of change
• Understanding of regulation and the wider healthcare sector.
• Ability to think strategically, identifying opportunities and threats, whilst proactively managing individual project development and operational delivery.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, senior policy makers and other key stakeholders.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills, and an ability to produce accurate and concise outputs.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.

Applications

If you are interested in this varied and challenging role, within a supportive and friendly team, please submit a CV and brief covering letter by midday on Monday 16 November 2020.

We want to know how your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the role and of the College’s values. Please also indicate your current salary and benefits package.

First interview dates: 25 & 26 November. Second interview date: 2 December. Please note that if you have not been contacted by these dates then your application has been unsuccessful. No agencies or other recruitment services please.