The IUA is the voice of the university sector and is committed to:
- clearly and publicly articulating the importance and value of university education;
- acting as an advocate for the university system;
- providing effective liaison and dialogue with the State and its agencies;
- ensuring the system is resourced and prepared for the challenges of the future;
- developing sectoral policies and strategies;
- maximising the contribution of higher education in all its dimensions to society and
the economy.
The organisation hosts important shared services in researcher mobility, widening participation, the development of engaged teaching and research and internationalisation. The IUA now wishes to expand its team and invites applications for the new position of Project Manager for Enhancing Digital Capacity in Teaching and Learning in Irish Universities.
This is a new project, funded through the Higher Education Authority Innovation and Transformation Programme, aimed at enhancing the digital attributes and educational experiences of Irish university students through enabling the mainstreamed and integrated use of digital technologies across the teaching and learning process.
To achieve these objectives, and working closely with senior academic leaders across the university sector, the project will develop, pilot, review and roll out an ambitious staff development programme to enhance the digital confidence, skills and competences of those who teach in Irish universities. This will be implemented and supported by a train the trainers programme, to ensure a significant multiplier effect across a range of disciplines in all university campuses.
The project will build explicitly on work already undertaken by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and on existing staff development resources available at institutional and disciplinary levels within the sector.
The project will play a central role in delivering on the universities’ strategic ambitions in this area, as well as on a range of key national and European policy objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the IUA Director for Learning, Teaching and Academic Affairs, the Project Manager will work with the project Steering Committee and broader project team at the IUA and across the university sector, to ensure that all project activities and work packages are successfully delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
Specifically, s/he will be expected to:
- lead the development of a Digital Teaching and Learning staff development
programme, having identified relevant existing resources across the sector; - pilot and review this programme across a selected range of disciplines;
- develop, pilot and review a train the trainers programme to ensure a significant
multiplier, sustaining and mainstreaming effect; - roll out the train the trainers programme across all university campuses;
- roll out the Digital Teaching and Learning staff development programme across all
universities; - provide ongoing support for the adoption of digital initiatives in teaching and
learning across the Irish university sector.
In order to achieve these successfully, s/he will need to:
- work closely with senior academic, IT and staff development stakeholders in each
university; - liaise with key stakeholders in the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching
and Learning, the Higher Education Authority, the Technological Higher Education
Association, the Union of Students in Ireland, and other relevant organisations; - ensure effective communication and advocacy with project partners and
stakeholders; - manage the project budget and provide reports and evaluation documents to
partners and funders.
Key Attributes
This is a very exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of driving staff development, digital innovation and enhanced teaching and learning across the 7 universities. The successful candidate will make a distinctive contribution to an area of strategic importance in the Irish university sector. The most critical qualities for this role are:
- exceptional project management skills with a proven track record in managing largescale projects in the higher education sector or equivalent. Experience of managing multi-institution projects would be desirable;
- extensive experience in leading the design and implementation of staff development programmes;
- an informed understanding of the professional development landscape within Irish higher education and the educational opportunities afforded by digitalisation;
- proven experience in building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders within, between and external to institutions;
- excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with a demonstrable ability to advocate and foster engagement across a range of audiences;
- appropriate academic and professional qualifications;
- pro-active and a self-starter.
Contract details
The position of Project Manager, which will be based at the IUA, is offered on a three year specified purpose contract, and subject to a period of probation and meeting on-going performance requirements. The role will require domestic travel within Ireland on a regular basis.
A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered. A secondment arrangement for existing public-sector employees may be possible, subject to concluding an appropriate agreement between the IUA and the candidate’s current employer.
Application details
Please forward a detailed CV and cover letter, demonstrating the competencies and experience listed above, by post or email by 3 February 2019 to: Jennifer Cleary, HR Manager, IUA, 48 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, D02 PK02.
E-mail: jennifer.cleary@iua.ie Tel: (01) 676 4948
Applications submitted by or through third parties, including recruitment agencies will be rejected. The IUA is an equal opportunities employer.
