University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. We are proud of our strong Irish roots and our global reach. Ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide, today UCD is Ireland’s largest university with 39,000 students, an annual turnover of €828 million and annual research awards worth €220 million. We are a dynamic and engaged university that makes a difference to the world, to Ireland and in the lives of our students.
UCD now seeks to appoint a Director of Student Experience and Wellbeing who will lead the development and implementation of an enhanced student experience, wellbeing and mental health landscape in the University, as well as drive initiatives that cultivate a holistic, whole-university approach to wellbeing and optimises a sense of belonging throughout our diverse community.
Reporting to the Registrar and Deputy President, the Director of Student Experience and Wellbeing will work closely with the Dean of Students and other senior leaders across the University, be responsible for optimising the student experience, and will lead a portfolio of teams providing operational services and will work with cross-functional teams from around the University in order to develop a whole-university approach aimed at embedding positive mental health in all aspects of student experience. The Director will be responsible for creating and driving cross unit coordination and shared goals, with a primary focus on the lived student experience. Furthermore, the Director, through collaboration and networking, will build strategic relationships across the institution and sector for the benefit of the University.
The successful individual will bring a strong track record of strategic senior leadership experience in a large and complex organisation and ideally in the higher education sector. They will also have experience of providing support, guidance and advice to students, faculty and staff, a track record of supporting the wellbeing of students, demonstrable experience developing creative solutions to complex organisational problems, and excellent people management skills. They will be an excellent and confident communicator, committed to high performance and continuous improvement; not afraid to challenge convention and foster partnerships. In addition, they will have a track record of developing relationships with stakeholders internally and externally for the benefit of the University and its students.
How to Apply
Further information, including details of how to apply, can be downloaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 7989.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. The closing date for applications will be 12 noon Irish time on Thursday, 21st August 2025.
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