Join Our Team

Be Part of Something Special:
Executive Officer - South and West Association of Leaders in Special Schools (SWALSS)

A Role with Purpose, A Role with Heart

At SWALSS, we believe in the power of leadership and collaboration to transform lives.

SWALSS is on a mission to connect leaders in specialist settings, and we’re searching for a compassionate, driven and proactive Executive Officer to help us achieve the next phase of our strategic development.

This isn’t your average job. This is your chance to shape the future of special education leadership.

If you’re someone who thrives on making meaningful connections, bringing ideas to life, and being part of something truly special, we’d love to hear from you.

About SWALSS

We are more than just an association - we are a community. Run by schools, for schools, SWALSS brings together passionate leaders from over 165 schools who dedicate their lives to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. As we expand our reach, we need someone like you to help us strengthen our network and elevate our goals.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of something meaningful - helping special education leaders thrive, innovate and connect. This role is so much more than administration - it’s about being the heartbeat of our organisation. You’ll work closely with the Executive Committee and alongside the Finance and Events Manager to shape our future, support our members and help SWALSS continue to thrive.

This is a pivotal role in shaping the future of SWALSS, ensuring its continued growth and impact - it’s about driving progress, shaping strategy and making things happen. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to be part of something truly impactful.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Bringing our strategic development plan to life—working closely with the Finance and Events Manager and reporting to the Executive Committee to deliver key objectives.

  • Provide administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient running of SWALSS.

  • Engage and liaise with key stakeholders to promote and enhance the work of the association.

  • Oversee and implement projects aligned with SWALSS’ objectives.

Who we’re looking for:

We are seeking a proactive and committed individual with:

  • A history of highly effective leadership within SEND organisations and a deep knowledge of the special school sector.

  • Strong organisational and administrative skills – ensuring the seamless execution of initiatives.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities – building relationships and enhancing our impact.

  • A self-starter with the determination to drive innovation and delivery across the organisation.

  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively – demonstrating initiative while working closely with the Finance and Events Manager.

  • A commitment to robust accountability, reporting impact to the executive committee.

  • A commitment to developing leaders in the specialist sector – sharing our vision for empowering professionals.

  • A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND – driving positive change.

  • The ambition to shape and develop the future of SWALSS – bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the role.

  • A big-picture thinker – You don’t just see what is; you see what could be and have the drive to make it happen.

  • Someone with warmth, dedication and a can-do attitude.

Why join SWALSS?

  • Be part of a growing and influential association dedicated to leadership in special education.

  • Play a key role in expanding SWALSS’ reach, impact and play a key role in shaping the future of special education leadership.

  • Be part of a supportive and inspiring community of school leaders with a passionate team of educational leaders driving real change.

  • Enjoy flexible working aligned to a term time schedule.

  • Know that your work makes a real impact - every single day.

We’re looking for passion, energy and drive. If this sounds like your kind of role, we want to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of leadership in special education!

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest, outlining their relevant skills and experience. Please view the website for more details on SWALSS’ programme of events.

A sub-group from the Executive Committee will review all expressions of interest to short-list candidates. Short-listed candidates will be invited to meet with the sub-group who will make the appointment.

The successful applicant will agree to a Service Level Agreement for their services, which will commence on 1 September 2025.

For further details and to submit an expression of interest, please contact the Chair of SWALSS – Helen Farnell via swalssfinance@yahoo.com

Application Deadline: Midday Tuesday 17 June 2025

Please see the Service Level Agreement for payment terms and conditions.