Head of School

Job Title: Head of School/Dean

Sector: Education

Location: Dublin City Centre (Hybrid)

Role Type: Permanent

We are working with a Higher Education institution that are seeking a Head of School to lead the higher education function for one of Ireland’s leading enterprise-focused institutions. This is a pivotal senior leadership role focused on shaping academic vision and ensuring operational excellence while aggressively driving institutional growth and hitting key KPIs. The ideal leader will thrive in a fast-paced environment, combining strategic academic oversight with a hands-on approach to deliver a world-class student experience and commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Higher Education (HE) school's academic strategy, ensuring it aligns with institutional priorities and enhances the colleges national and international reputation.
• Take full accountability for academic quality, ensuring all programs meet regulatory and awarding body requirements, including QQI standards.
• Lead the design, validation, and review of academic programs to ensure they remain market-relevant and meet the needs of a student-centered learning environment.
• Lead and inspire the Higher Education team, overseeing staff performance, professional growth, and the equitable allocation of duties.
• Oversee the entire student lifecycle from induction to alumni engagement, ensuring an impactful, engaging, and high-quality learner journey.
• Deliver an annual operational plan and manage school resources effectively to meet defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Identify and drive new income streams, research opportunities, and enterprise activities to support the school's growth and financial sustainability.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with industry partners, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to support strategic objectives.

Job Requirements:

• Must hold a Master's level qualification; a PhD is considered highly desirable for this senior academic role.
• A proven record of academic leadership and strong people skills and extensive experience in delivering education and research programs.
• Preferably has experience of QQI policies and experience with the validation and revalidation of academic programs.
• The ability to translate strategic priorities into operational objectives and achieve "added value" through coordinated partnerships.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change and identify ways to improve service and performance in a complex environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire multidisciplinary teams from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, including proficiency with both Microsoft and Google work applications.
• On-Campus Presence: Ability to work a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 3 days per week on-campus in Dublin City Centre and travel between campuses as needed.