President - Technological University of Dublin

at  Forvis Mazars

PERSON SPECIFICATION

An individual of the highest calibre is being sought for this challenging role. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:

• A distinguished academic record, including a PhD qualification
• Experience of working at a senior leadership level in a complex organisation with extensive experience of successfully leading and delivering strategic change in a large organisation
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Higher Education landscape, with human resource management, financial management and operational experience at senior level in higher education, or allied sectors
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the national, European and international environment for research and innovation and sources of public and private funding to develop the University’s research footprint
• Operating at and working with senior level leadership in Government, the Public Sector, in external organisation(s) or in industry
• A proven track record of developing strong, productive and sustainable relationships across a wide range of higher education-relevant stakeholders such as students, staff, governing bodies/equivalent & associated committees, funders/regulators, Government and state agencies, industry and social partners, other academic institutions and alumni
• Knowledge of the University’s regional, national and international remit, including its focus on international collaborations and student recruitment
• Comprehensive understanding of the legislative, financial and governance responsibilities of the role, including implementing a sound structure to measure, manage and report on financial and organisational performance in a timely manner
• Capability to lead the implementation of the University’s strategic and financial plans, including growing existing sources of revenue and generating new income streams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate evidence of:

• A genuine understanding of and identification with the mission and vision of TU Dublin and the unique position it occupies in the Irish higher education landscape
• A proven capacity and orientation to work collegially and collaboratively with high levels of emotional intelligence
• Experience of leadership in advancing and championing equality, diversity and inclusion
• Effective communication, advocacy, negotiation and listening skills

ROLE SPECIFICATION

TU Dublin is currently seeking applicants for the role of President. The position of President is a pivotal role in the Irish higher education sector with the University serving as a major catalyst for both regional and national economic growth at a time of significant sectoral change.
As President, the successful appointee will be the University’s chief officer and accountable person, complying with the code of practice for the governance of public bodies. Reporting to the Governing Body and working within the legislative framework of the Technological Universities Act 2018 and the Higher Education Act 2022 the successful appointee will be an exceptional and genuine leader, possessing excellent networking, communication, collaboration and analytical skills. They will also be a highly regarded scholar with a demonstrated record as a committed, thoughtful, effective and enthusiastic academic leader with an ability to translate bold ideas into reality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The role of President will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Provide executive, academic, and representational leadership to TU Dublin.
• Build a culture of respect, trust, collaboration, understanding, shared accountability and purpose across TU Dublin.
• Lead the University to a position of financial sustainability, ensuring it can continue fulfilling its vital mission of delivering differentiated, practice-based education, research and innovation for learners, enterprises and society at large.
• Diversify funding streams for TU Dublin to include competitive research funds, philanthropic commitment and commercialisation.
• Encourage strong collaboration with industry in the commercialisation of University research and further develop relationships with industry to provide students with real world practice-based learning opportunities.
• Lead a significant campaign of external stakeholder engagement to introduce TU Dublin to a wide range of audiences including industry and policymakers; alumni and prospective students; state bodies and not-for-profit NGOs; academia in Ireland and globally as well as the wider Irish public.
• Sustain, enhance and recognise excellence in teaching and learning within TU Dublin.
• Enhance institutional research through the systematic collection, analysis and use of data to inform decision-making and improve institutional effectiveness by evaluating various aspects of TU Dublin’s operations, performance and outcomes to support planning, policy development and strategic initiatives.
• Enhance student recruitment both nationally and internationally.
• Strengthen the competitiveness of the University’s part-time, professional and postgraduate course offerings to increase market share among these key student cohorts.
• Establish a strong research profile for the University by identifying existing strengths and areas for growth, and work to enhance research funding from domestic, European, and international sources.
• Promote gender balance and equality of opportunity among students and staff of the University.
• Develop the University’s international footprint, including North-South Ireland, UK and European relationships, and provide leadership in the University’s global outreach activities.
• Develop a culture of openness and transparency where information is freely shared, communication is clear and decision-making processes are open to scrutiny. Such a culture will promote integrity, build trust, and enhance engagement among all members of the organisation.
• Lead the development of the University’s next strategic development plan.
• Attend Governing Body meetings and, as required, Governing Body Committee meetings.
• Fulfil the responsibility, under legislation and otherwise, to attend at the Oireachtas, including Oireachtas Committees, to apprise the members of the work of the University.
• Prepare and implement an annual budget, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and other key staff.
• Maintain a robust system of financial controls, audit and culture of value for money.