Board member and governor jobs

We are seeking to appoint a new Director of Member Engagement to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a critical role in strengthening AoC’s relationship with its member colleges at a time of significant change for the sector. 

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is the national representative body for further education colleges in England. We have very high membership numbers and recent surveys show that member satisfaction is also high, but the world is changing fast, and the expectations on and challenges for colleges are increasing. We need to respond to those changes and ensure our support and advocacy for our members remains high quality, respected and valued.

This is a newly created role to help us do that, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, with responsibility for leading AoC’s membership engagement, regional member services and governance offer, ensuring a coherent, high-quality and consistent experience for member colleges across England.

Everything we do at AoC is aimed at helping colleges deliver on their purpose and continue making an impact. Colleges educate and train 1.6 million people each year. As their not-for-profit membership body AoC:

• Influences government and local and national policymakers to create the environment for strong and sustainable colleges at the heart of the economy.
• Provides high quality professional support, advice and intelligence to meet the needs of every member college.
• Champions and enhances the reputation of colleges, leaders, staff and students.

With a strong financial base and a strong team of passionate and highly dedicated staff, AoC will launch our new strategic plan in September 2026. The new Director of Member Engagement will provide strategic leadership to AoC’s regional structure, drive proactive and data-informed engagement with members and stakeholders, and be a part of the overall senior leadership team. This role will help maintain our position as a trusted, influential and indispensable partner to colleges at both national and regional level.

This role offers an opportunity to work within an organisation with purpose and impact in a sector that enriches lives through lifelong learning. If you are a strong leader, with excellent communication skills, able to travel regularly to provide a national presence for AoC senior leadership and strong support to a dispersed team, we would like 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.

Please review the full job description and person specification, which outlines the role in more detail. If you have any questions or would like to have an informal discussion about the role please contact the Group HR Director.

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week

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 5pm on 25 May 2026.

Interviews: 
1st Stage - W/C 8 June
- Online interview
Location: online via Microsoft Teams

2nd Stage - W/C 15 June
- Candidates shortlisted for the final stage will have the opportunity to meet with the Deputy CEO
Location: online via Microsoft Teams

Final Stage - 25 June (fixed date)
- In person interview with a presentation exercise
Location: onsite @AoC London Office

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.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend any interview, please contact us.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.

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