Chief Executive Officer

A Unique Leadership Opportunity to Shape the Future of College Education

Full-time – 35 hours per week

Salary £96,567, subject to pay award

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for education and a drive to make a lasting impact? We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Colleges Scotland, ensuring the organisation is a powerful and influential voice for the college sector.

About Us

At Colleges Scotland, our mission is simple yet vital: to promote the advancement of college education for the public benefit. As the trusted advocate for colleges, we work closely with key stakeholders to influence policy, champion sector interests, and drive continuous improvement in learner experience. This is an exciting time to join Colleges Scotland as we are going through a period of reshaping and will continually evolve to meet the needs of the members and changing tertiary education landscape in Scotland. The substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role offers an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to lead and grow this continually developing organisation.

The Role

As CEO, you will be at the heart of shaping the future of the college sector. You will:

• Provide inspirational leadership – setting a clear vision, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring Colleges Scotland is a recognised thought leader.
• Strengthen the voice of the sector – working alongside college leaders to advocate for sustainable funding, policy improvements, and sector-wide opportunities.
• Drive business development – ensuring financial sustainability, expanding membership offerings, and positioning colleges as providers of choice.
• Lead a high-performing team – fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
• Ensure sound governance – upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and financial management.

What Success Looks Like

• A stronger, united voice for the sector, influencing policy and public debate.
• Colleges have more opportunities for collaboration, funding, and growth.
• Greater recognition of the vital role colleges play in transforming lives and communities.
• A resilient, future-proofed organisation with engaged members and a highly motivated team.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is ambitious for the sector and committed to delivering real impact. You will bring:

• A deep passion for education and a track record of advocating for learners.
• Proven strategic leadership at a senior or board level, driving transformation and inspiring teams.
• A strong understanding of the education and skills landscape, with insight into challenges and opportunities.
• Political astuteness and the ability to build trust and influence at the highest levels.
• Commercial acumen and experience in business development, financial sustainability, and growth.
• A strong commitment to governance, accountability, and operational excellence.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a sector-defining organisation at a time of change and opportunity. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of college education, ensuring it remains a driving force for social and economic progress.

With a generous salary and benefits package, this role offers an exciting platform for an extraordinary leader to make an enduring difference.

For an informal discussion on the role, please contact Waiyin Hatton by emailing chair@collegesscotland.ac.uk.

Please note that the date of the panel interview and assessment is Friday 16 May 2025. We will contact you in due course if you are shortlisted for interview.

Closing date for applications is Friday 25 April 2025.