Executive Dean

Description:

deliver an ambitious vision for the Institute of Education 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 Institute 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 role 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 developing and implementing university strategy.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional academic leader with the insight and experience to influence national education discourse and to navigate complex, evolving educational landscapes. They 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.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a world-class Institute of Education that plays a central role in shaping the future of education. It is a pivotal leadership role for a values-driven academic committed to developing future generations of educators, informing policy, and cultivating an inclusive, high-performing scholarly community.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 Institute of Education 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 Institute 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

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

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
• Lead the Institute’s contribution to evidence-based education policy through research and knowledge exchange