Wanted: Digital chief for England's schools. Must enjoy data, AI, and concrete problems

England's Department for Education is advertising a role paying up to 200,000 a year to lead a new digital and infrastructure group overseeing school buildings and maintenance, as well as technology and data. Its Director General, Digital and Infrastructure, will lead the technology function of around 1,800 staff, develop a new strategy covering digital services, data, and artificial intelligence, and lead work on a unique identifier for children and other learners in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland run education services on a devolved basis. The successful candidate will also implement a new strategy for "the education estate" of schools, colleges, nurseries, and children's homes. The job ad warns the function "carries some of the highest levels of risk and accountability in the department - including life-and-death decisions on safety," citing ongoing work to remove unsafe reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from schools. "I am looking for a leader who is motivated by impact - someone who is able to combine their digital and data expertise with their drive to improve outcomes for children and young people," writes the department's permanent secretary, Susan Acland-Hood, in a briefing document with the advert. "Whilst you do not need to be an expert on education policy, you need to be curious and committed to rapidly building your understanding of the latest evidence, system, and policy landscape." The department is willing to base the job in Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Darlington, London, Manchester, Nottingham, or Sheffield, although those who do not work in the capital will need to go there frequently. Applications close on June 1. Several other departments have recently advertised digital director-general posts, the civil service job category just below permanent secretary (equivalent to chief executive). In January, England's Department of Health and Social Care advertised the role of director general for technology, digital and data with a salary of up to 285,000 a year. In February, the Ministry of Defence offered 270,000 to 300,000 for its chief digital and information officer job. And in April, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology advertised for three directors-general, one paid 174,000 and the other two paying between 200,000 and 260,000 annually. (R)