School Manager

Main Purpose of Job

To ensure the effective and efficient management and delivery of the administration functions of the School and its associated Disciplines. The post holder reports to the Director of Strategic Development of the CASSCS (or a nominee), but from an operating perspective performs duties under the direction of the Head of School or line manager nominated by the Head of School.

The post holder will be responsible for the organisational development and operational management of the School, with particular responsibility for developing and implementing an efficient and integrated school-wide administrative function. They will contribute to the continued development of administrative functions within the College and will be a member of the School Executive Committee.

Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupervision and People Management

The School Manager will have substantial personnel management responsibilities in relation to the professional services team of the School and will:

• Be responsible for the overall management of all professional services support staff within the School. The Discipline Administrators will report to the School Manager but, from an operating perspective, perform their discipline-related duties under the direction of the relevant Head of Discipline, in consultation with the School Manager.
• Undertake performance appraisals of the School and Discipline professional services team.
• Delegate work appropriately to other administrative staff.
• Hold a quarterly administrators forum to promote team building and enhance collaboration and effectiveness within the School’s administration team.

School Organisational Development and Operational Management

• Collate and analyse data to support decision making within the School and the implementation of the School’s Teaching and Learning Strategy.
• Manage the general administration of the School to the highest operational standards.
• Develop and implement initiatives that support an efficient and integrated school-wide administrative function.
• Develop and maintain the School’s administrative infrastructure and sensitive data, including databases, financial systems, promotional materials, ICT systems, student information, research records, and other administrative systems.
• Identify the School’s administrative priorities and oversee implementation of appropriate actions to meet those priorities on an ongoing basis.
• Manage the provision of administrative support to the School Executive.
• Manage the provision of administrative support to School Committees.
• Support School compliance with Health and Safety requirements, including management of Health and Safety documentation and submission of annual Health and Safety reports.
• Manage the purchasing of School Office equipment in accordance with University policy.
• Organise meetings, workshops, and visits, and prepare agendas in consultation with the Head of School, as appropriate.
• Manage the preparation of temporary contracts, including contracts for part-time teaching staff.
• Support the Head of School in managing the School’s workload model, ensuring it is maintained and completed as required.
• Communicate and engage with Colleges, Schools, Disciplines, and external organisations.
• Manage the implementation of effective quality assurance procedures within the School.

Academic Affairs Support

• Manage the internal administration of examinations, including:
• Contribute to the development of the School’s Operational Plan, support its implementation, and monitor progress against agreed objectives.
• Liaise with and support the College Office and Academic Administration on academic lifecycle processes and procedures.
• Manage support for the Yearly Progress Report process and postgraduate admissions, as required.
• Coordinate student retention initiatives in collaboration with academic staff.
• Develop a detailed operational plan to guide the annual administrative function.
• Monitor and report on the School’s financial position and allocation of funding to Disciplines, including:
• Manage planning and tracking of the School’s use of space and facilities.
• Supervise the preparation of detailed timetables for all programmes.

Marketing

• Contribute to the organisation and delivery of promotional initiatives linked to the School.
• Manage the School’s undergraduate and postgraduate marketing and outreach activities in collaboration with the College Office and relevant School Directors and committees.
• Ensure the quality of School promotional materials and student handbooks in accordance with University policy.
• Work with the College Office and Vice-Dean for Students to manage student recruitment processes, particularly at postgraduate level, in collaboration with academic programme directors.
• Support the School’s student placement programme, where appropriate, in collaboration with the Career Development Centre (CDC).

Research

• Work with the Head of School to develop and implement research administrative support for academic staff, working closely with the College Office, Research Office, and Research Accounts.
• Collate data for Institutional Research Reviews.

Requirements for the RoleComplexity

The complexity of the role is enhanced by the multidisciplinary structure of the School. Effective coordination of School and Discipline administrative functions is essential to provide high-quality administrative support to students, academic staff, and professional services staff.

As documentation and correspondence may be confidential, the post requires a high level of tact and discretion.

Decision-Making

The post holder will work with minimal direct supervision and will regularly make decisions regarding:

• Responding to staff and student enquiries.
• Resolving operational and management issues within the School.
• Managing administrative priorities and challenges as they arise.

Essential Criteria

• Level 8 qualification in a relevant subject and/or five years' professional experience in a relevant area.
• Minimum of five years' practical experience in a similar or related role.
• Minimum of three years' experience supervising, managing, and delegating work to staff.
• Evidence of project management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent ICT skills, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and extensive experience using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience analysing and interpreting data.
• Excellent communication, administration, and interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of adaptability, flexibility, and innovation in previous roles.
• Willingness to undertake an Irish Language qualification.

Desirable Criteria

• Significant experience using University financial, student, and programme administration systems, or equivalent systems.
• Experience in marketing and outreach, including development of promotional materials, website content, and social media activities.
• Knowledge of higher education sector developments and policies.
• Understanding of Marks and Standards.

The above criteria will be used to shortlist and select candidates for interview.

All newly recruited professional services staff to the College Office will undertake an Irish language qualification if they do not already hold a qualification at B2 level or above obtained within the previous four years.

Salary: €63,499 – €86,087 per year.