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 Head of University Secretariat and Governance who will serve as the lead governance officer of the University, ensuring the University operates within its legal and constitutional framework. They will lead the management and development of the University Secretariat as centre for excellence for University governance and policy with an expert staff who are leads in specific areas across the University committee structures and governance.
Reporting to the Registrar and Deputy President, the Head of University Secretariat and Governance will be responsible for leading, motivating and developing a team of staff engaged to deliver a high quality service and provide co-ordinated, professional, proactive, independent and responsive advice and support on governance matters to University management bodies, such as the Governing Authority, Academic Council and the University Management Team, including associated subcommittees/groups. The post holder will act as a "trusted advisor" to both the Governing Authority Chair and the President, maintaining the "triadic relationship" necessary for institutional sustainability and effective decision-making. The Head of University Secretariat and Governance will develop and review policies and other governance instruments and will monitor global and local risks in order to brief the Governing Authority on the emergence of risks and opportunities, whilst maintaining and managing the register of interests to prevent conflicts.
The successful individual will bring a strong track record of senior management, administration and organisational experience, with particular expertise in leading and developing the University Secretariat as a hub of expertise for governance and policy. They will be able to work independently and at a strategic level and have experience of building and managing expert professional staff who provide authoritative leadership across University committee structures and governance frameworks. The appointed candidate will require a blend of excellent technical proficiency with superb negotiation and diplomacy skills and the management skills necessary to run a busy office central to the governance and management of the University.
How to Apply
Applications, quoting reference number 8282, 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 Wednesday, 11th March 2026.
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