Executive Dean

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University, proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities. DCU’s mission is to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration with key national and international partners and stakeholders.

Role Profile

Reporting to the Deputy President, the Executive Dean will develop and deliver an ambitious vision for the Institute of Education for the next five years, which will in turn influence the future direction of education both in Ireland and across Europe. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership in all areas of activity across the Institute including teaching and learning, research, operations, policy engagement and institutional collaborations.

In addition, the postholder will serve as a key member of the University Executive, contributing to university-wide strategic planning and decision-making. The Executive Dean role will operate as a key member of the University leadership team with responsibility for understanding all key aspects of University strategic and operational priorities and developing and implementing university strategy.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional academic leader with the insight and experience to influence national education discourse and to navigate complex, evolving educational landscapes. They will also need to be able to navigate the operational requirements of the Faculty in a complex higher education environment which operates within a limited Irish Higher Education sector funding envelope.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a world-class Institute of Education that plays a central role in shaping the future of education. It is a pivotal leadership role for a values-driven academic committed to developing future generations of educators, informing policy, and cultivating an inclusive, high-performing scholarly community.

Key Responsibilities 

Further information on the key responsibilities of the role can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Doctoral Degree in education or a closely aligned discipline
• A distinguished academic and research profile, ideally at professorial level
• Proven experience in academic leadership at faculty or institutional level
• A clear track record of strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership
• Deep knowledge of the Irish and international education sectors and the policy environment

Additional Information

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

For more information on the Institute of Education please visit: IoE

Closing Date: Friday, 8^th August 2025

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

Professor Anne Sinnott, Deputy President, Dublin City University. 

Email: deputypresident@dcu.ie

Application Procedure:

In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

1)  Curriculum Vitae

2)  Cover Letter

3)  Completed application form

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

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