Student Transition and Peer Engagement Co-ordinator

Salary: The gross salary scale applicable to the post is currently €52,240 - €62,482 p.a. as at 01/02/2026.

Hours of Work: The appointee will be required to work 35 hours per week together with such additional hours as may be required from time to time for the proper discharge of their duties.

Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave per annum. The ‘annual leave year’ operates from September to August. Annual Leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time.

Overview of Role & Context

The Student Transitions and Peer Engagement Coordinator is a multifaceted position focused on the development, implementation, and assessment of peer-led programmes.

The Student Transition, Engagement, Progression and Success (STEPS) strategy encompasses both social and academic aspects of the student experience and is influenced by activities inside and outside of the classroom. SETU aim to further expand existing peer-led initiatives across the University and to develop new initiatives aimed at supporting transition and progression and promoting opportunities for social integration.

Key Responsibilities / Duties:

The post holder will work closely with the Student Engagement team on all aspects of the coordination and delivery of student engagement and peer led activities, with specific responsibility for leading and co-ordinating SETU’s peer mentoring programme (P2P) and other peer-led programmes. The post holder will be required to supervise and allocate duties to other staff within the Peer Engagement team.

Duties:

• Overall responsibility of leading the P2P programme including:

o Continued enhancement, development and delivery of P2P, including mentor training programme and materials, social media platforms, and scheduling of activities

o Ongoing review of P2P programme using evidence informed data and student involvement

o Continued development of policies and procedures for P2P

o Liaise with academic departments on the continued expansion of P2P and to recommend the type of programme is best-fit for the discipline and tailoring of existing programme to meet those needs

o Leading the continued expansion and development of the framework for academic accreditation for senior mentors on existing peer mentoring programmes including liaising and supporting academic leads from participating departments throughout the academic year

• Work closely with the Head of SLL and the Student Engagement and Retention Officer on the design, development of new peer-led activities and programmes that support student experience including:

o Researching best practice within HE

o Collaborate with academic departments and leads as required

o Developing proposal for implementation of programme(s)

o Co-ordinate the implementation of resulting programmes

• Support the continued development of StartSETU orientation and the development of new student led orientation activities to take place during semester one and two including developing opportunities for peer/staff interaction during the first semester. This includes the development of a bursary programme for academic departments, supporting academic staff to deliver course/Dept. specific transition activities to address issues faced by their student cohort

• Responsibility for overseeing the ongoing co-ordination and activities of the P2P team

• Participation in committees and working groups are required and represent the Student Engagement and Retention Team/SLL at internal and external groups/committees as required

• Manage sensitive issues with empathy, tact and discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality at all times

• Engage in other duties as may be assigned by the Retention and Student Engagement Officer/Head of SLL

Academic Qualifications

• Level 8 degree or equivalent from a recognised degree awarding authority

Experience

• At least 3 years relevant experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience with responsibility for developing and coordinating student transition, student support and/or peer mentoring activities

• Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education system, practical experience in working with groups or teams in a professional, educational, or voluntary setting

• Experience in the development and delivery of team building activities and programmes

• Experience of event management and in the delivery of training

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including networking and presentation skills, with the ability to engage students in peer mentoring and other initiatives

• Knowledge and understanding of how peer-mentoring and transition activities contribute to a positive and engaged student experience

• Ability to research best practice and to develop and implement initiatives and activities

I.T. Skills

Excellent IT skills including:

• Microsoft Suite to include Word, Excel & PowerPoint

• Online platforms to support student engagement programmes and activities (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams, mentimeter, etc.)

• Experience of using social media and other appropriate platforms to communicate with students

Specific Personal Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills

• Capacity to deal with sensitive issues with empathy, tact and discretion