Atlantic Technological University (ATU) was established on 1st April 2022 following the merger of Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, and Letterkenny Institute of Technology. In November 2023, St Angela’s College Sligo also became part of ATU. ATU has approximately 30,000 students and 2,600 staff across its nine campuses in the West and North West region of Ireland, making it one of the largest multi-campus universities on the island. The University serves a diverse group of learners, staff, communities and organisations, playing a major role in supporting development in the region and further afield. Since its inception, ATU can already point to considerable achievements such as becoming a member of European University Alliance EU GREEN, successfully bidding for new nationally relevant higher education programmes in Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine and becoming the first university in Ireland to be designated an Accredited Institution of Advance HE. ATU’s inaugural strategic plan, Open Minds, Bright Futures, centres around five guiding lights: Enabling Education, Engaged Research, Connected Ecosystem, Transformed Organisation, and Sustainable Future. This is an exciting time to join ATU as the organisation delivers on its first strategic plan and continues to drive impact and support across West and North West region.
During this time of development and growth, ATU now seeks to appoint a Chief Administrative Officer. Reporting to the President, the Chief Administrative Officer will be a key member of the University Senior Leadership Team and will be responsible for the leadership and coordination of university governance, strategy, compliance and communications, ensuring cohesive messaging and alignment with institutional objectives. This role will drive the continued integration of functions, develop strategic initiatives including organisational change, provide policy guidelines and ensure compliance with legal liabilities. This post holder will also oversee administrative operations for the Senior Leadership Team and serve as Secretary to the Governing Body. They will provide advice and high-quality support to the Governing Body, its committees, and sub-committees, facilitating informed decision-making and the smooth operation of all governance functions, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
The successful candidate will be a strong leader and strategic thinker with exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion. They will always act with integrity and with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability. This individual will have outstanding communications skills and be adept in managing relationships both within the organisation and with external stakeholders. Additionally, they should demonstrate proficiency in administrative tasks and a commitment to supporting ATU’s objectives. The successful individual will be comfortable with both project and operational challenges and be able to lead teams through change management journeys.
How to Apply
Perrett Laver, the appointed advisers of ATU, are conducting an executive search exercise alongside the public advertisement for this role. Perrett Laver will support the Search Committee in the discharge of its duties. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements and budgets and staff managed. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the candidate profile and why the appointment is of interest. Candidates are asked to set out briefly their vision for the role.
Further information can be found via https://perrettlaver.com/atu-senior-appointments/ and applications can be uploaded below referencing the project number 7341. The closing date of applications is 12 noon Irish local time on Friday, 15th May 2026.
Atlantic Technological University is an equal opportunities employer.
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