Deputy President & Registrar

The University of Galway is a research-intensive university with a distinctive regional base and a truly global perspective. Our community comprises over 20,000 students from 100+ countries and 2,500 staff.  With more than 135,000 alumni, and research collaborations with 6,000 institutions in 180 countries worldwide, our international reach and impact is significant and growing.  We now wish to recruit a Deputy President and Registrar to lead the next step in our university’s development.

The Deputy President and Registrar reports directly to the President and will be a member, and Deputy Chair, of the University Management Team. The postholder will be the University’s Chief Academic Officer, a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the academic mission of the institution. The role provides leadership in academic policy and quality, with oversight of key academic administrative units, and works closely with the President, Vice-Presidents, Executive Deans of College, and Heads of Schools to support academic excellence. As part of a broad portfolio, the Deputy President and Registrar also leads major strategic university initiatives, including the development and implementation of the University’s Irish language and Sustainability strategies.

The successful candidate will be a distinguished academic operating at the level of Established Professor, with the credibility and vision to provide leadership across the University, supported by significant experience in managing people, developing staff, and delivering major change and strategic projects in complex organisations. They will be an effective communicator, capable of building strong relationships, fostering a collegial culture, and leading institutional strategy. The role requires strong governance, financial, and regulatory understanding, a demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and an appreciation of the University’s public role, including its commitment to the Irish language and culture, underpinned by a strong alignment with the University’s values and vision.

The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Enquiries can be made directly to Chris McCann (chris.mccann@perrettlaver.com).

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.

The closing date for applications will be 5pm GMT, Friday 13th March 2026.

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