Area Director (North East)
Location: Hybrid
Department: Member Services
Salary: circa.£36,000 (FTE £60,000)
Hours: 22.5
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Association of Colleges (AoC) as an Area Director for the North East region. AoC is the national voice for further education colleges in England, representing almost 95% of the sector and supporting over 2.2 million students every year. As a not-for-profit organisation established by colleges, for colleges, we are committed to transforming lives through education, skills and opportunity.
In this role, the Area Director is our senior representative and primary contact for member colleges across the North East region. This is an influential role, working closely with college Boards, CEOs/principals and senior teams to understand and meet their needs. You will champion and represent colleges with key stakeholders, including devolved authorities, and engage members in AoC’s policy and public affairs work.
We are seeking a strong leader with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, gained from working in a complex stakeholder environment. You will need a deep understanding of colleges and the further education policy and political environment, ideally supported by experience in the FE sector. Strong local knowledge of the region’s social and economic context will also be essential.
We are a values-led organisation with a culture of high performance and commitment. In return for your expertise, we offer a great package of rewards and a flexible working environment based on mutual trust.
If you’re a confident, strategic and collaborative professional looking to make a difference in an influential role, we’d love to hear from you!
At AoC, we value trust, flexibility and professional growth. You’ll join a high-performing, mission-led organisation that offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.
Hours:Part Time, 22.5 Hours per week (3 days)
How to Apply
If you think you have the skills, experience, and attributes to hit the ground running in this position, we would welcome your application. Click 'apply now' below.
To be considered for this role, your application must be submitted and received by 12pm on 29 September 2025.
Interviews Date: 10 October 2025
Location: Onsite, New College Durham
AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.
Benefits: 30 days’ annual leave 8 bank holidays paid Christmas closure, Car Allowance, Bank Holiday Swap, Work remotely whilst abroad, Employee Assistance Programme, Enhanced family leave, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Cycle to Work, Paid volunteering leave, Regular team socials, Eye-care contributions
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