TUS - Director of the Office of the President

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 Summaryis a key role within TUS and reports to the President. The role provides executive, administrative, and development support to the President. The Director of the Office of the President serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters pertaining to the President, serves as a liaison to the Governing Body and senior leadership team when required, and oversees internal and external communications for TUS. The Director provides and ensures the provision of the best possible information and advice to the President on any aspect of his responsibilities.Key responsibilitiesThe role of Vice President of Internationalisation & Alumni will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Strategy & OperationsProvide leadership across the range of responsibilities of the Office of the President to ensure that the highest quality standards are delivered Be responsible and accountable for the strategic and operational delivery of the Communications function at TUSLead the development and implementation of a communications strategy for the TU as requiredDevelop and implement initiatives / mechanisms to support effective internal communication at TUS Provide support and advice to the President, including support with writing communications for committees, public releases, speeches or other documentation as required Support the President in relationship management with stakeholders Act as liaison between the President, public relations and other stakeholdersWork closely with the President in identifying and implementing internal communications approaches throughout the TUEnsure the alignment of the Office of the President structure and functions with the TUS Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026Represent the Office of the President where necessary / appropriate in external and internal meetingsPeople ManagementProvide direction and guidance to the staff within the Office of the PresidentPromote 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 rolesComply 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 researchAssist in the training of colleagues where requiredQuality Improvement and Risk Management Engage in all governance processes across the organisation as appropriateEnsure compliance with all relevant guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements Lead in promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the organisation Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the operations of the TU and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standardsParticipate in the requirements of the organisation’s risk management programmeThe PersonEssential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field and / or relevant professional qualificationMinimum 5 years of demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated Strong 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 ManagementThe 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.