Title of position: President
Tenure: Fixed term contract (up to 7 years’ duration)
Employing Authority: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ
Location: Castletroy, Limerick
Role overview
The President has overall responsibility for strategic leadership and executive management of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and the development of internal and external partnerships.
In collaboration with the Governing Authority, Executive Committee, Academic Council, staff (existing and retired), students and alumni, the President serves as the primary driver for the achievement of institutional goals, in a highly competitive higher educational environment.
The role encompasses oversight of all University operations, including education, research, governance and financial sustainability, and external engagement.
The person
Essential requirements
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate strong meaningful evidence of:
- A distinguished academic record and commitment to research intensity;
- A proven ability as an ethical and empathetic, effective, determined and enthusiastic leader;
- Proven leadership experience in a vibrant and complex academic environment;
- Success in strategic planning and execution, institutional development, and change management;
- Success in delivery of key strategic objectives as they relate to Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion;
- Experience in managing large-scale budgets and diverse teams;
- Aligning complex stakeholder groups in support of the University’s mission.
Desirable requirements
The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate evidence of:
- International experience in higher education leadership;
- Experience of engaging with government, industry, and international partners.
Key working relationships
Governing Authority
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President
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Executive Committee and Academic Council
Key skills and competencies
Leadership and vision
- Possess the ability to articulate and implement a compelling vision for the University’s future.
- Demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and student success.
- Has the capacity to lead ethically and inclusively, fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Strategic and operational skills
- Demonstrates strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
- Holds extensive experience in governance and working with university councils or boards.
- Understands the importance of managing institutional risk and ensure regulatory compliance is inherent in all actions.
Communication, listening and engagement skills
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Can comfortably and appropriately represent the University nationally and internationally.
- Highly skilled in the area of advocacy and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, students, government, alumni, donors, and the wider community.
Values and personal attributes
- Has integrity, resilience, and a strong sense of public service.
- Is committed to human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion, embracing critical initiatives such as Athena Swan.
- Has a demonstrable track-record of a commitment to excellence in education, research, and societal impact.
Key responsibilities
The President leads, develops and implements a comprehensive strategy that builds and expands upon the existing successes of the University to date.
The President plays a pivotal leadership role in the advancement of institutional goals, strengthening UL’s distinctive culture, and enhancing its reputation in a highly competitive environment both nationally and internationally.
The primary duties and responsibilities of the President include and are not limited to:
- Demonstrating and embodying UL’s culture and values, including integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and ambition, through exemplary conduct and sound decision-making that sets the standard for the University community and empowers all its members to contribute to its success.
- Providing strategic leadership, in partnership with the Governing Authority, Executive Committee, and Academic Council, advance the University’s vision and mission, while cultivating a transformative culture.
- Ensuring the financial sustainability of the University, through the development of a robust financial and operating model that supports long-term institutional health and enables our transition to greater research intensity.
- Enhancing the University’s academic and research profile, supporting innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellence in teaching, research and scholarship.
- Leading the University Executive, setting clear expectations, driving performance, and ensuring effective and efficient management of the University’s resources.
- Championing the University’s contribution to public life as its principal ambassador, promoting positive social change through education, research, civic engagement, and strategic partnerships across academia, government, industry, and civil society.
- Driving the implementation of strategy, ensuring that institutional goals and policies are translated into action, monitored effectively, and adapted responsively to meet evolving challenges, while maintaining alignment with the University’s mission, research ambitions and sustainability commitments.
- Ensuring excellence in governance, nurturing a strong sense of accountability, and a strong Academic Council with the autonomy and capacity to fulfil its statutory role in controlling the University's academic affairs.
- Building and maintaining a constructive relationship with the Governing Authority and the Chancellor, one that respects their statutory oversight role while enabling open dialogue and constructive challenge.
- Working closely with the UL Foundation and alumni, cultivating philanthropic and strategic partnerships that support the University’s ambitions, while also fostering meaningful engagement with students and alumni as valued members of the UL community.
Conditions of service
Tenure
The position is offered on the basis of a fixed term contract of up to 7 years’ duration. The full terms of appointment will be set out in the employment contract which will be agreed between the University and the successful candidate.
Remuneration
A competitive salary package including pension contributions as part of a defined benefit scheme (consistent with Government Policy) is offered at a single salary point of €247,985.
The package also includes provision of a spacious modern and private family residence situated on campus with a river view. It is required that this will be the primary residence of the President during their term.
A relocation package will be made available to candidates who are relocating.
Probation
The University’s Probation Policy applies. Performance of duties will be monitored and appraised during this period. Performance shall also be reviewed throughout the period of appointment and at least in annual intervals, by the Governing Authority.
Location
The University is situated in Castletroy, Limerick. The candidate's base shall be the UL campus and the residence provided on campus - a contractual requirement.
Annual Leave
The annual leave allowance is 30 days, exclusive of the usual public holidays.
Outside Employment
This role is whole-time and the appointee must avoid involvement in outside employment/business interests in conflict or in potential conflict with the business of UL. Clarification must be sought where any doubt arises. Membership of boards will require the prior approval of the Governing Authority.
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply, where appropriate, to this appointment. Further information on the conditions of employment will be outlined in the contract of employment for the successful candidate.
Other Conditions of Employment
The above represents the principal conditions of service but is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the appointee.