Overview
St Columba's College is a thriving 4-18 independent co-educational day school of 825 students. The College is located in the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire, 25 miles from Central London and close to major roads and train services. It was established in 1955 by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart as a Roman Catholic foundation. The site covers 13.9 acres adjacent to Verulamium Park with buildings dating from 1875 to 2013 and sports facilities including a 4G all-weather pitch, a MUGA, and a grass pitch. The College also owns a neighbouring residential property. The College values a holistic education that combines academic excellence with moral and spiritual development, and places importance on a strong community and partnership with parents. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The Opportunity: This is a broad, varied and rewarding Bursar and Clerk to the Governors role that enables the successful candidate to have a meaningful, impact-driven role in the lives of young people.
The Role
The Bursar is a strategic leadership position that manages a wide range of business support services, including Finance, IT, Estates, Catering, Health & Safety, Compliance and Legal. The Bursar works closely with the Headmaster and the College Leadership Team to shape strategy and commercial success, while supporting teaching and pastoral provision. The Bursar is line managed by the Headmaster and also reports as Clerk to the Chair of Governors, working with the Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and other Board members.
Key attributes include commercial nous, financial literacy, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and inspire others. The role requires an ability to think strategically for the long term while remaining agile to handle unexpected challenges. Candidates from any professional background are welcome; prior schools’ experience or formal qualifications may be beneficial but are not required. Proven financial literacy and commercial leadership skills are essential.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage a wide range of support services: Finance, IT, Estates, Catering, Health & Safety, Compliance and Legal.
* Partner with the Headmaster and College Leadership Team on strategy and the school’s commercial success.
* Oversee operations to ensure the school operates efficiently and effectively as a business while supporting teaching and pastoral provision.
* Line management: report to the Headmaster; act as Clerk to the Chair of Governors; collaborate with the Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and other Board/Leadership Team members.
* Think strategically for the long term; stay agile and prepared to deal with the unexpected.
* Foster an open, collaborative mindset, resilience, and a calm, positive disposition.
Qualifications and Profile
* Commercial acumen and financial literacy with proven leadership in a similar role.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the presence to lead and inspire others.
* Flexibility regarding career background; no prescribed route into school Bursar roles.
* Relevant professional qualifications may be beneficial but are not required.
How to Apply
* Potentially interested applicants are invited to read the job specification brochure and discuss their interest with David Stephens of Join The Dots for an informal, confidential discussion.
* Contact David Stephens at 07739 457000 or via david@davidconsulting.co.uk.
* To be considered, candidates should complete the online application form at Work with Us - St Columba's College.
* Deadline for applications: 9am on Monday 10th November.
* Selected candidates may be invited for a school tour and longlist interview on 18th or 19th November, with a second shortlist interview on 26th or 27th November; early applications are strongly recommended.
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