Head of Gifted and Talented

Purpose:

• Provide strategic leadership for gifted and talented (G&T) education across GEMS, fostering excellence and innovation in talent development. Design, implement, and oversee the GEMS Gifted and Talented Programme to identify and nurture exceptional students across all schools.
• Lead the establishment and management of Centers of Excellence Fellows as hubs for innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership in G&T education.
• Develop and execute scholarship strategies to provide financial and developmental support, ensuring G&T students access world-class opportunities.
• Build and sustain partnerships with universities, businesses, and industry leaders to deliver initiatives like summer schools, mentorships, and career pathways.
• Support GEMS for Life, enabling lifelong learning, networking, and global opportunities for G&T alumni.
• Drive innovation in G&T pedagogy, equipping educators with advanced tools and methodologies to support exceptional learners.
• Lead initiatives like the Youth Parliament to foster leadership, critical thinking, and civic engagement among G&T students.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategy and Vision

• Design and implement a comprehensive G&T strategy that establishes GEMS as a market leader in gifted and talented education. This includes partnerships with universities, businesses, and external organizations to create unrivaled opportunities, programmes, and initiatives for G&T students across GEMS schools.
• Define the strategic vision and framework for the G&T programme, ensuring alignment with the GEMS mission, strategic goals, and operational targets.
• Ensure alignment and baseline expectations for G&T programmes across all GEMS schools, supporting the onboarding and development of G&T provisions in new schools.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure equitable educational outcomes for G&T students, creating an enriched learning environment for students, families, and the wider community.

Leadership and Management

• Initiate and execute G&T programmes across the GEMS network, ensuring consistency in the information collected and processes implemented across all schools.
• Lead the development and coordination of staff development programmes focused on gifted and talented pedagogy, ensuring educators are equipped with cutting-edge methodologies to support exceptional learners.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate cutting-edge technology effectively into G&T programmes, enhancing student experiences and outcomes.
• Develop and implement systems and processes to support G&T students, ensuring equity and access across the network.
• Establish and lead student-led initiatives, such as the Youth Parliament, promoting personal growth, leadership, and civic engagement.
• Regularly assess the needs of G&T students, utilizing trend data and feedback to design responsive and impactful initiatives.
• Provide timely reports, advice, and recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team on G&T trends, initiatives, and outcomes to inform strategic decision-making.

Governance and Compliance

• Provide the Group Chief Education Officer (CEdO) with relevant and timely advice to enable informed decision-making. Ensure all initiatives comply with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
• Review, develop, and present policy proposals and initiatives to relevant stakeholders to support innovation, and progressive thinking to consistency enhance student outcomes related to G&T programmes and initiatives.
• Attend and lead key meetings as required, ensuring the G&T programme aligns with GEMS-wide priorities.
• Stakeholder Relations and Promotion
• Establish and nurture high-impact partnerships with universities, businesses, and industry leaders to deliver innovative and bespoke initiatives, such as summer schools, enrichment programmes, and mentorship opportunities for G&T students.
• Represent GEMS positively and effectively to internal and external stakeholders, promoting the GEMS core values, achievements, and aspirations.
• Maintain effective networks with stakeholders, supporters, and partners to expand the role and impact of the G&T programme.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly with schools, leveraging the expertise across the network to ensure high-quality and innovative G&T provisions enabling entrepreneurial collaboration:
• Ensure GEMS is presented professionally to all customers, stakeholders, and partners, showcasing its commitment to excellence in education.

Expected Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (a specialization in gifted and talented education is preferred).
• Certification or advanced training in gifted education or talent development is highly desirable.

Expected Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in education, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing G&T programmes or similar initiatives.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing innovative strategies and programmes for G&T students in a school, district, or network-wide context.
• Experience in establishing and managing partnerships with universities, businesses, or other external organizations.
• Strong experience in leading professional development initiatives for educators, with a focus on gifted and talented pedagogy.

Job-Specific Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of best practices, research, and trends in gifted and talented education.
• Knowledge of enrichment programme development, equity frameworks, and differentiation strategies for high-achieving students.
• Familiarity with global standards and requirements for compliance in educational programmes.
• Insight into technology integration and its role in enhancing G&T education.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities, with a proven ability to drive large-scale initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills to build and maintain high-quality partnerships with universities, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills to inform strategy and monitor the effectiveness of programmes.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management, organizational development, and change management.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.