Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University, proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities. DCU’s mission is to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration
with key national and international partners and stakeholders.

DCU has over 20,000 students in five faculties spread across three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area
of North Dublin. Thanks to its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the University offers a ‘transformative student experience’ that helps to develop highly sought-after graduates. DCU is currently No. 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate, and for graduate income (CSO). DCU is a research-intensive University and is home to a number of SFI- funded Research Centres.

The University participates in a range of European and international research partnerships. DCU is also the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As a ‘People First’ institution, DCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - a University that helps staff and students to thrive. The University is a leader in terms of its work to increase access to education, and is placed in the world’s Top 10 for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Reporting to the Deputy President, the Executive Dean will develop and deliver an ambitious vision for the Faculty for the next five years, which will in turn influence the future direction of education both in Ireland and across Europe. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership in all areas of activity across the Faculty including teaching and learning, research, operations, policy engagement and institutional collaborations.

In addition, the postholder will serve as a key member of the University Executive, contributing to university-wide strategic
planning and decision-making. The Executive Dean will operate as a key member of the University leadership team with responsibility for understanding all key aspects of University strategic and operational priorities and contributing to the development and implementation of the university strategy.

The Dean will also need to be able to navigate the operational requirements of the Faculty in a complex higher education
environment which operates within a limited Irish Higher Education sector funding envelope.

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Provide leadership, direction and guidance to the Heads of Schools in order to empower them to continue to deliver on the strategic priorities of the existing organisational strategy
• Lead the development and execution of a new and ambitious vision for the Faculty which will align with the University’s strategic goals
• Lead and coordinate the Faculty Management Team and the Faculty Office, ensuring clear delegation, accountability, and alignment with institutional objectives
• Foster a shared vision for the Faculty that champions academic innovation, inclusivity, and institutional excellence
• Represent the Faculty on a number of senior leadership forums, including but not limited to Senior Management Group, University Executive and Academic Council

Teaching, Learning and Academic Excellence

• Ensure the highest standards in programme delivery, curriculum development, and assessment across all levels
• Lead the development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which enhance the Faculty’s programme portfolio and increase both domestic and international student numbers
• Drive continuous innovation in education and broader curriculum development 
• Support interdisciplinary teaching and research informed teaching and learning 

Research and Policy Engagement

• Enable the delivery of appropriately directed quality research, which contributes to the University’s research goals  and increases research outputs in line with the University’s Research Strategy
• Support the continuous development and growth of research centres aligned to the faculty and promote the innovation and creation of new centres which support research strategic objectives
• Further enhance and embed the research ethos and activity within the faculty
• Ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to monitor and report on research activity and outputs, e.g.
  through delegation to the Associate Dean of Research and reporting on research metrics
• Lead the Faculty’s contribution to evidence-based policy through research and knowledge exchange 

External Engagement

• Advance the Faculty's international strategy by building global partnerships, enhancing student and staff mobility, and elevating the profile of the Faculty through strategic representation and collaboration
• With the support of Communications, Marketing and Events develop and promote external and communications strategy
• Promote engagement with national and international education stakeholders, including government and NGOs

People and Culture

• Foster a collegial, inclusive, and high-performing work and study environment for staff and students within the faculty
• Lead the development of both academic and professional staff members through structured talent development and succession planning initiatives
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing among all staff and students
• Overall responsibility for workload within the Faculty

Operational and Financial Management

• Ensure the continued financial sustainability of the Faculty through the effective management of all faculty resources (including human, financial, facilities and technology)
• Ensure the effective management of budgeting, income diversification (including research and external
  partnerships), horizon scanning and long-term resource planning
• Oversee the Faculty's operations, resource allocation, and compliance with University policies
• Ensure compliance with academic regulations, and health and safety standards in alignment with university
  policies and national frameworks
• Support and enhance a quality assurance culture across all aspects of the Faculty and assist in supporting
  this culture across the University
• Effectively manage key working relationships with key stakeholders within the professional service Departments such as Finance, DCU People and Communications, Marketing and Events

Desirable Attributes

• A strategic leader who has a demonstrated track record of aligning faculty and institutional values and objectives
• A strong track record of delivering results through evidence-based decision-making
• An ability to manage strategic and operational priorities in parallel and an appreciation that at times this will require a ‘hands dirty’ approach
• Demonstrable ability to make difficult and potentially unpopular decisions
• Demonstrated success in fostering collaboration, collegiality, and inclusive team cultures
• Proven track record of effectively managing competing priorities at a senior level

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD or Doctoral qualification in the relevant discipline
• A distinguished academic and research profile, ideally at professorial level
• Proven experience in academic leadership at faculty or institutional level
• A clear track record of strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership
• Deep knowledge of the Irish and international education sectors and the policy environment 

Application Procedure

Please submit your application through the online system at DCU People Jobs Portal. In order to be considered for the
role for which you are applying, you must upload:

1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.

Closing date:

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to: 

Professor Anne Sinnott,
Deputy President,
deputypresident@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as outlined above.

For more information on DCU and our benefits, please visit:
Why work at DCU?