Post Entry Support Officer

Dublin City University is a leading innovative European University with a mission to “transform lives and societies”. DCU ranks as one of the world’s Top 350 Universities, Times Higher Education, and is proud to be Ireland’s No. 1 Young University. The University is known for the “transformative student experience” it offers, and is also recognised for its impact in addressing global challenges in collaboration with national and international stakeholders.

Overview of the Department

Student Support & Development (SS&D) provides professional, academic and personal support and development opportunities to students at DCU. It is a busy and diverse Unit, which includes the Student Advice Centre, Counselling & Personal Development, the Student Health Centre, the Disability & Learning Support Office, the Access Office and the Inter-Faith Centre.

Further information on SS&D can be found at:

http://www.dcu.ie/students/index.shtml

SS&D is currently seeking a P4 – Post Entry Support Officer who will be positioned within the Access Office. The individual will play a key role in supporting the ongoing success of the Access programme.

Role Profile

The Post Entry Project Officer will report to the Head of Service (or their nominee). The role involves working closely with the Access team, Access students, Student Support and Development Staff, and Heads of Schools and Units at DCU.

Responsibilities include identifying and providing a range of supports (personal, financial, academic, and professional) to students participating in the DCU Access programme. Additionally, the post holder will manage several multifaceted projects that will develop over time.

The role requires effective engagement with various users and interest groups, including staff, students (particularly non-traditional students), teachers, staff of voluntary and community organisations, and corporate sponsors.

Due to the evolving nature of the University, developments will inevitably occur that may affect administrative and support functions, and this post will adapt accordingly. The role will initially be based in the Access Service but may be relocated to another unit within SS&D as institutional structural changes take place over time.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:

Student Supports

• Proactively engage with students supported by the Access Service regarding academic deadlines and opportunities for personal and professional development.

• Support the ongoing development and delivery of the Access Service post-entry support programme for students in DCU.

• Manage an assigned caseload of students and provide them with appropriate support, including financial assistance.

• Administer the Access Financial Bursary Scheme.

• Coordinate the Peer Mentoring Programme.

• Encourage the participation of DCU Access students in post-entry activities, such as internships and volunteering opportunities.

• Make appropriate referrals to internal and external support services as required.

• Monitor and analyse the retention and progress of students supported by the Access Service, providing regular reports and updates on their development.

• Source and recruit tutors to provide academic support.

• Coordinate the delivery of the Access Service orientation programmes.

Projects and Initiatives

• Partner with the DCU Access team to improve participation, access, and progression for non-traditional student groups into DCU and higher education through DCU’s extensive Outreach Programme.

• Support the delivery of the Access to the Workplace programme to students.

• Attend relevant conferences, as agreed with the Head of the Unit, and stay up to date on trends in access and widening participation.

The Successful Applicant Will

• Liaise with staff and students on relevant Access projects and represent the Access Service at stakeholder meetings, committees, boards, and working parties as assigned by the Head of Service.

• Have an awareness of national developments that may impact the work of the Access Service and students.

• Identify training and development needs to stay up to date on topics affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged students as they progress, transition, and thrive in higher education.

• Assist in relevant research and evaluation projects.

• Partner with Student Support and Development colleagues to develop and provide high quality services to students.

• Where required, assist with Open Days and the delivery of information sessions, and answer queries about the various alternative pathways to DCU, such as HEAR, mature students.

• Undertake other duties and responsibilities that the Head of Service or their nominee assigns.

Minimum Internal Service Criteria

Please note that internal service criteria will apply.

Please note staff must have successfully completed their probationary period.

Qualifications and Experience

• Candidates must have a Primary Degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 7) plus at least 2 years’ relevant experience in a third-level environment or in the fields of access, widening participation, or educational disadvantage.

• Candidates must have in-depth knowledge of equity issues faced by underrepresented students and be familiar with the challenges prospective students encounter when entering internships and the employment market.

• Knowledge of the Irish education system: educational disadvantage, widening participation in higher education, and practice underpinned by a dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

• Experience engaging with diverse students in a student-focused, student-support setting.

• Experience in project and budget management with advanced communication, writing, financial, and administrative skills.

• Excellent IT skills, including practical knowledge of MS Office, CRM, and Drupal.

• A track record of working in an area that requires confidentiality and discretion.

Essential Training

The postholder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training:

• Orientation

• Health & Safety

• Data Protection (GDPR)

• Cyber Security Awareness

• AI Literacy

Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary Scale

Professional 4 – €44,169 – €64,684

Refer to DCU Payscales for the applicable payscale.

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: Thursday, 18th December 2025

Additional Information

Please note this role does not meet criteria for a Critical Skills permit as stipulated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

Remote Working Policy

DCU operates a Remote Working Policy. Employees may be approved for up to 2 days of remote working per week (or an appropriate pro-rata amount for those part time). Any remote working arrangement will be reflective of the predominant on-campus working environment and the core University value of “Student Focused”.

Employees will be based on campus for the majority of their working week to ensure a sustained on-campus engagement and experience. The terms of the remote working policy will apply.

For more information on the Access Service, please visit:

https://www.dcu.ie/access

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Ms Cathy Mc Loughlin

Head of Access Service

Dublin City University

Phone: +353 (0)1 700 8814

Email: cathy.mcloughlin@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address.

Application Procedure

Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy)

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete and will not be processed.