Work Based Learning and Employability Coordinator

Essential Qualifications and Skills Candidates must: • have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role to a high standard; • be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard; have obtained at least Grade O6 (formerly D3) in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills • An Honours Degree (2.2 or higher) in a relevant Level 8 degree [as specified in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)], or equivalent. • Have at least three years post qualification experience in student placement coordination, career services, or a similar role, ideally within a third-level educational institution. • Experience in customising, developing and managing systems for tracking and reporting student placements. • Strong knowledge of policy development processes, particularly in educational settings. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with students, staff, and external employers and stakeholders. • Excellent ICT skills and experience working with online placement systems (e.g., CRM systems, placement management platforms) and proficiency in MS Office. • Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks. • Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders. • Be able to contribute to the on-going development and refinement of administrative processes. • Have a proven track record in administering multifaceted processes and operations in a complex or large-scale organisation, preferably in a higher education environment, and ideally within a placement support function. • High level of initiative, including an innovative and flexible approach to work. Proven ability to plan, organise and prioritise with project management experience. • Evidence of working in a dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders. • Proven ability to thrive in a target-driven environment and to work under pressure. • Flexibility, determination and ‘can do’ attitude. • High level of personal work ethic and ability to work independently. • Attention to detail. • Manage change environments and work within time restraints. • Demonstrate teamwork. • Understanding of the educational experiences of students. • Knowledge of the diverse environment in which students will practice.

Effective written and oral communication skills. • A full clean driver’s licence

Overview of the Role

Reporting to the MyCareerPath Manager, the Work Based Learning and Employability Coordinator will work as part of a team to provide a professional and comprehensive service in support a range of placement activities within ATU. MyCareerpath, which is a HEA funded project, aims to provide agile services to a diverse range of prospective and existing students/learners using a bespoke platform. The successful individual will assume responsibility for a number of key functions including researching current placement structures, planning future policy, strategic partnerships & employer engagement arrangements, systems and data administration, compliance and governance, student preparation, staff and employer liaison & collaboration support, Review current reporting structures, development of relevant placement agreements and documentation including contracts, producing relevant documentation, handbooks, and supporting materials to guide students and employers throughout the placement process and review current work practices in relation to sourcing placements, Student preparation processes, processes for administration supervision and maintaining sector engagement and all necessary duties to support the effective operation of the planned centralised placement unit.

Duties • The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to the following: • Develop and Implement a university-wide Placement System including standardised processes for placement management • Conduct benchmark study of other placement units across similar HEIs in terms of structure, governance, staffing, resources etc. • Review how placements are currently managed across ATU • Work with internal and external stakeholders to ascertain their views on how placements should be manged in the future • Explore areas of complementarity and collaboration with ATU Careers Service • Develop policies and/or procedures and associated documentation (e.g. forms, handbooks) in relation to placement • Advance a proposed blueprint for a university placement unit which addresses governance etc • Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of student placements, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and data protection regulations. • Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting placement numbers, types, rates, student and employer feedback, and trends in placement opportunities. • Analyse placement data to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to senior management for enhancing placement programmes. • Stay up to date with best practices in placement management, employability strategies, and trends in higher education and industry. • Collaborate with other departments to ensure placement activities align with broader institutional goals, such as improving graduate employability or increasing industry partnerships • Represent the Programme /Department/Institute on relevant Committees and at local, regional, national and international events, where necessary. • Provide support to placements in relation to any issues which may arise • Any other reasonable duties assigned by the Manager.

Salary Salary Scale €59,417.00 - €77,243.00 * Candidates external to the sector may be appointed up to the 3rd Point of the Salary Scale in accordance with University Policy

Hours of Work

35 hours per week