TUS - Vice President of Internationalisation & Alumni

BackgroundTechnological University of the Shannon (TUS) is Ireland’s third technological university and home to 15,000 students and a staff complement of approximately 2,000, full-time and part-time, across seven campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis. Established on October 1, 2021, TUS has a strong regional focus and is a key driver of development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest. The new networked university, linked by the River Shannon, borders on almost half of Ireland's 26 counties and will provide unprecedented levels of access to higher education. In February 2024 TUS became a QS* 5 Star university, having achieved the highest possible number of stars to become one of the top-rated universities in the world . We are committed to developing a contemporary and vibrant technological university - a higher education TU that reflects the educational and economic needs of our region and the communities we serve. The new technological university will connect knowledge creation with industry partnerships to grow and support collaboration. The technological university will be the home of academic leaders, knowledge creators and cutting-edge researchers who will positively affect people's lives now and in the future.Role SummaryThe role of The VP of Internationalisation & Alumni will demonstrate a professional and engaging style and facilitate effective communications and relationships with colleagues across the organisation. Reporting to the President or their designated nominee, the role requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and processes, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives and alignment.Key responsibilitiesThe role of Vice President of Internationalisation & Alumni will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Strategy & OperationsProvide leadership and vision for the Internationalisation and Alumni professional service functionLead the development of an internationalisation strategy and annual operating plans for the function / organisation as required Be responsible and accountable for the strategic and operational delivery of the Internationalisation and Alumni function and the full remit of services it providesEncourage and support staff to develop international partnerships and contribute to the realisation of internationalisation ambitions of the TULead international recruitment activities, developing and implementing initiatives to enhance the attractiveness of TUS to international students and in turn increase the TU’s international student cohortSupport the development and maintenance of an effective alumni network for TUS to successfully engage alumni and build long-term relationshipsProvide clear leadership and a focal point for Senior and Frontline Managers in the performance of their internationalisation activitiesContribute to the overall development of the organisation and its servicesLead the planning and implementation processes for Alumni Relations, Development, and Communications in accord with the TU’s overall strategic planning goals and initiativesWork closely with the President or their designated nominee in identifying and implementing internationalisation approaches throughout the TUBuild the brand of the Internationalisation and Alumni function and its reputation across the organisationEnsure the alignment of the Internationalisation and Alumni functions with the TUS Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026Be accountable for decision-making based on the interpretation of timely data metrics and agreed KPIs working with the data analytics function to develop appropriate datasetsEnsure the implementation of a robust operational meeting structure that drives responsibility and accountabilityLead the development of TU internationalisation and alumni relations policies and proceduresDirectly support the President in representing the TU on international work, participating in international associations and acting as a representative for the President as requiredPeople ManagementPromote an environment that is conducive to the development of best practice, enhances staff retention and promotes good industrial relationsMaintain a high level of staff morale, promoting good communication, team spirit and job satisfaction among members of the multidisciplinary team. Strive to ensure that staff are accountable, responsible and have authority to practice and manage within their rolesPlay a role in the recruitment and selection of staff for the functionComply with all HR policy requirementsCreate working environments and cultures where every individual can feel a sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve their full potentialLearning and EducationProvide professional and personal development opportunities for all staff working with the function to develop an appropriate programme of learning and education based on a planned (individual, department and organisation) training needs assessmentTake personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and researchAttend and participate in relevant staff development programmes on an ongoing basis and share knowledge with other staff membersAssist in the training of colleagues where requiredAttend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in dateQuality Improvement and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all relevant guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements Participate in the requirements of the organisation’s risk management programmeThe PersonEssential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:Postgraduate degree in a relevant field and/or relevant professional qualifications Minimum 5 years of demonstrated relevant experience undertaking a senior leadership role, preferably within the higher education sector Experience developing and building strategic relationships at a global levelDemonstrated experience of working internationally and demonstrated effectiveness in intercultural communication, collaboration and sensitivity to cultural diversityKnowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operateDemonstrable ability to lead organisational change and maintain positive working relationships Demonstrated ability to lead a team with excellent interpersonal and communication skillsStrong stakeholder management experienceRelevant sectoral experienceDesirable Requirements The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of:Excellent organisational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to identify solutions.A positive, enthusiastic, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver. Ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands.Key Skills and CompetenciesTechnical & Professional Expertise Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirementsLeadership & ManagementManages performance to deliver team goals; demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating organisation / function services. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude; influences others to follow a common goal.Communication & Interpersonal Skills Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.Strategic Thinking Capable of lifting their thinking and applying their efforts outside of daily tasks to prepare strategies that take account of issues and trends and how these link to the objectives of the organisation. Building & Maintaining Relationships Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people. Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.Driving Innovation Possesses the ability and desire to improve organisation performance by developing or creating innovative solutions.Results Driven & Accountable - Focuses on delivering results; always concerned with achieving or surpassing goals and/or recognised standards of performance.Commitment to Quality and Risk Management- The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.