Welcome to Ada!

We are a specialist digital skills college training and developing diverse higher-level apprentices into fantastic roles in the tech sector and transforming their lives in the process. Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent.

In London we have over 350 apprentices on roll from a wide range of backgrounds: 75% are recent school leavers. A third are young women, one third from ethnic minority backgrounds and many come from tough backgrounds. They represent over 15 different nationalities. They are united by their passion and enthusiasm for tech.

We are at an exciting time in the development of Ada. Last year, through this programme we delivered 38 events and courses to over 800 participants. In the coming year, we want to make even more impact and transform more lives through tech.

We are looking to recruit someone inspired by Ada’s mission and energised by the chance to play a key role in ensuring that we meet our diversity targets whilst scaling up our impact nationally.

The Programme Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities essential for the successful delivery of our short courses; working closely with multiple teams in multiple regions to ensure we deliver the right courses to the right individuals at the right time. We have a handful of existing courses but through time we would like to respond to the needs of our potential apprentice applicants and offer a broader range.

This is a hands-on role in a growing organisation, covering project management, external partner development, course delivery, finding and overseeing others in the outreach team, participant enrolment and support, administration and careful communication. Ultimately, success in the role would look like 50% of our apprentices meeting at least one of our key diversity metrics.

Main Responsibilities:

• Roll-out and programme manage a multi-region, programme of events and short courses to meet ambitious apprentice diversity targets working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Schools,  Colleges, Employers, other charities and internal teams)
• Lead and coordinate a small team of short course delivery facilitators
• Work with our apprentice recruitment team to identify diversity gaps in our database of potential candidates and work with our outreach teams to find partner organisations to help plug these gaps
• Create a calendar of events which help Ada venues become a tech hub for the community
• Identify skills gaps for those on our database that hinder them from making successful apprenticeship applications and match them with our events and short courses (initially existing courses but in future support the creation of new courses)
• Ensure a high quality experience for learners by overseeing the quality of our programmes through learner feedback, training of the short course team of facilitators and creating a culture of continuous improvement
• Manage learner data including attendance and progress, developing and adapting effective tracking and monitoring systems
• Work with our external relations team to recruit and manage volunteers from our industry partners to support on courses. Also work with them to develop compelling marketing materials for the courses
• Develop regular progress reports for internal leaders and external funders. Key metrics would include number of events, number of learners, diversity and their onward progress
• Maintain a data dashboard to ensure we track progress to successfully deliver on our KPIs

Other Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design and delivery of new courses
• Create appropriate pastoral support systems for learners
• Contribute to Ada’s outreach work, with opportunities to engage with young people about careers in tech and apprenticeships
• Engage with the wider Ada team to share best practice and contribute to a culture of collaboration and support
• Be aware of and comply with the safeguarding policy, code of conduct, regulations and policies of the College and its commitment to equal opportunities

The Person

Essential:

• Programme management experience within an educational setting
• Experience supporting high quality outcomes for young people
• Demonstrable commitment to Ada’s mission and values and a passion for enabling everyone, regardless of background, to flourish and reach their full potential
• Evidence of effective external stakeholder management

Desirable:

• Management and coordination of teams
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers and facilitators
• An awareness of apprenticeships and the apprenticeship landscape
• An interest in or willingness to learn about the digital technology landscape and digital skills ecosystem in the region

Personal Qualities, Aptitudes and Skills:

• An innovative self-starter, excited by the prospect of being involved in building Ada
• A commitment to Ada’s mission and values
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Exceptionally well-organised and great at helping others to be
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skillsets
• Adaptable and patient, able to manage many priorities at once and resolve concerns with empathy and compassion
• Proactive problem-solving ability
• Numerate and comfortable handling sensitive data such as personal information
• Proficient in GSuite/MS Office
• Excels under pressure, maintaining a calm demeanour even when priorities shift
• Ability to see the bigger picture and think multiple steps ahead

Safeguarding

Ada, the National College for Digital Skill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references will be sought from previous employers prior to commencing employment. Other related pre-employment checks appropriate to the post will also be carried out.

Equal opportunities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
• To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

Applicants with disabilities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact our HR Department via hr@ada.ac.uk.

Variations to this Job Description

This is a description of the job as it is at present, and is current at date of issue. The job description will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be performed.

Sponsorship

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role so we can only accept applications from candidates who will have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

How to apply

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to jobs@ada.ac.uk, outlining why you are excited by the opportunity to take on this role at Ada and how your previous experience and skill set will enable you to fulfil the role.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial phone conversation about the role followed by a panel interview.

Thank you for your interest and good luck with your application!