Appointment of President - April 2019 - Perrett Laver
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Appointment of President April 2019
Foreword from the Chancellor
Dublin City University has begun the process to appoint our next President on the
retirement in July 2020 of the hugely successful President Brian MacCraith. The successful
candidate will take the reins at a very positive and exciting time for the University.
The last eight years have seen DCU consolidate context and is also reflected in the remarkable
its position as one of the world’s leading young campus phenomenon that is DCU Alpha,
universities, add two new academic campuses, DCU’s Innovation Campus. DCU’s highly
establish Ireland’s first Faculty of Education, successful Access programme, the largest of
develop a flourishing Innovation campus, and its kind in Ireland, supports almost 1,300
grow student numbers by over 50 per cent. students, ensuring our country’s talent base is
A €300 million Campus Development Plan is the most dynamic it can be.
underway to align with the University’s growth
The successful candidate will need to share
objectives and to enhance the lived experience
the University’s culture and values and have
of staff and students of the University.
a proven track record which convinces that
The new President will lead the next decade he or she is capable of promoting the upward
of DCU’s development as it builds on and trajectory of DCU and leveraging the strengths
strengthens its record as an important national of the University. We are looking for a new
and international centre of teaching, learning, President whose outstanding leadership
research and innovation, underpinned by a will ensure that DCU will continue to grow
value system that insists on being a showcase in reputation and profile nationally and
for full social inclusion, diversity, equality and internationally across all its core priorities,
mutual respect. as a key locus of the development of talent
and the creation of knowledge.
DCU is intently committed to providing our
students with a transformative learning Thank you for taking an interest in this
experience that develops their talent, equips position. I hope that the following pages and
them with the skills to flourish in a fast-changing, accompanying website will give you a clear
technology-driven world and allows them appreciation of the distinctive strengths of
to enjoy a university environment second to DCU, its undoubted potential for further
none. Here they encounter and become part growth and impact and the likely demands
of a community of problem solvers for DCU’s to be made of its next President.
strategy to pursue world-class research which
Dr. Martin McAleese
has a particular focus on addressing challenges
Chancellor
facing individuals, society and enterprise,
and on working in collaborative local and Dublin City University
global partnerships with academic and other
institutions and with enterprise, government
and national stakeholders.
Our research teams are working on innovative
solutions in a wide range of fields including:
dementia, bullying in schools and cyberspace,
digital innovation, conflict resolution, fake
news, cancer diagnosis, nanomaterials, artificial
intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
DCU’s role as a university that maintains a
strong bridge with enterprise and business is
a distinctive one in the Irish Higher Education
02 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
About Dublin City University
Dublin City University (DCU) is one of Ireland’s premier higher education institutions. It is an
ambitious, research-intensive institution that is distinguished not only by the quality of its
graduates but also by its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic
benefit. Excellence in teaching, research and scholarship has led to DCU’s consistent ranking
in the top 100 of the world’s young universities in both the QS and THE rankings.
The last eight years have seen a period of DCU has a strong track record of innovation
dramatic growth for the University, both in its in all its activities and consistently leads the
student population, which increased by over Irish university sector in terms of execution
50 per cent to 17,400, and in its footprint, with of ‘Intellectual Property licences’. DCU is
the addition of two academic campuses and an committed to values of equality, diversity
innovation campus, which hosts 75 high-tech and inclusion, as reflected in a broad range of
companies, all in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra institutional initiatives addressing gender under-
region of Dublin. DCU also established the representation, socioeconomic disadvantage
first Faculty of Education in an Irish University and disability.
during this period. The University is currently
The University will appoint its fourth President in
implementing a €300 million Campus
2020. We are seeking an exceptional individual
Development Plan involving the construction
of proven ability and with significant experience
of new lecture theatres, teaching laboratories,
of strategic leadership. They will build on DCU’s
research facilities, student accommodation and a
existing strengths, achievements, values and
major student centre, which was opened in 2018.
ambitions, and lead the University’s next major
The university’s five faculties are home to phase of development. In keeping with DCU’s
internationally renowned scholars and research commitment to societal engagement, this
centres in specific areas of science, digital individual will be expected to show evidence of
innovation, engineering, humanities, social operating and influencing at the highest level of
sciences, education and business. institutional, business and civic life.
03 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
About Dublin City University
Mission
To transform lives and societies through education, research,
innovation and engagement.
Vision Culture and Values
DCU will be a globally-significant University of • We foster a culture that is: Open; Collegial;
Transformation and Enterprise that is renowned for: Collaborative; Student-focused and Ambitious.
• the development of talent; • We are committed to: Equality; Educational
opportunity; Social justice; Ethical behavior
• the discovery and translation of knowledge
and Academic freedom.
to advance society;
• By being purposefully different and
• its focus on creativity and innovation;
consistently pursuing excellence, we will play a
• the advancement and application of globally significant role in addressing the
technology; and challenges and opportunities of this era.
• its commitment to sustainability.
04 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022 Talent, Discovery and Transformation Strategic Goals At the heart of our Strategic Plan are the nine Strategic Goals against which we will track our success: • Provide a transformative student experience. • Advance our reputation for world-class research. • Sustain our ambitions through income generation. • Ensure a coherent, connected university. • Value and develop our staff community. • Develop a global university. • Nurture creativity and culture across the university. • Place sustainability at the core of the University. • Pursue active engagement with our communities. 05 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Research and Innovation A core element of DCU’s Vision is to be a globally-significant university that is renowned for its discovery and translation of knowledge to advance society. With a strong commitment to research excellence across its five faculties, the University is home to a number of internationally renowned research centres in specific areas of Science, Engineering, ICT, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education and Business. The Research and Innovation Strategy will build upon the existing broad-based research strengths across the five faculties and the established Research Centres in the following thematic areas: Health technologies and the healthy society; Information technology and the digital society; Advanced manufacturing and materials; Sustainable economies and societies; Democratic and secure societies; and Educational research and innovation. 06 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Research and Innovation
Understanding that greatest impact is achieved DCU consistently leads the Irish university sector
from a critical mass of multidisciplinary researchers in terms of Intellectual Property (IP) licences and
tackling important research questions, we will seek contributes strongly to the national innovation
to significantly strengthen our human capital at all ecosystem.
levels of research through a range of initiatives and
Co-located with Dublin City University, DCU
we will place a particular emphasis on fostering
ALPHA is a commercial innovation campus that
research leadership and providing the research
promotes the growth of research-intensive
supports at local level.
businesses that are creating the technologies
As Ireland’s University of Enterprise, DCU is and services of tomorrow. Opened in early 2014,
renowned for its commitment to innovation and DCU ALPHA has quickly attracted a community
entrepreneurship and its proactive engagement of like-minded and innovative companies.
with the enterprise sector. This has been based 35 companies employing 350 staff currently
both on our effective translation of research operate across the 200,000 sq. ft campus of
outcomes into societal and commercial benefit mixed office, industrial and research space,
and the responsiveness of the institution itself to developing ground-breaking products in
national and global challenges and opportunities. connected health, clean energy and IoT
The recent expansion of DCU has created technology. Here, indigenous SMEs and start-ups
new possibilities for us across all disciplines. The innovate alongside multinationals like Fujitsu,
establishment in 2016 of Ireland’s first Fraunhofer Siemens and Veolia in a collaborative hub,
Project Centre at DCU is an endorsement of the in partnership with a visionary university.
quality of its engagement in that regard.
07 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Teaching and Learning,
and the Student Experience
The University’s Teaching & Learning Strategy ensures academic excellence and the
development of inspiring and challenging co-curricular experiences. The University
provides a student learning experience that recognises the importance of industry
engagement, and the challenges of global citizenship: internationalisation, intercultural
competencies and sustainability. The contributions of research and innovation to
teaching and learning are central to the strategy, as are the opportunities to exploit the
affordances of digital and emerging technologies.
The University is a leader in digital learning, Students are introduced to employment and
teaching and innovation, and we will provide a international experiences through our study
learning experience characterised by innovative abroad programme, INTRA work placements,
design in curriculum and delivery. We are embarking clinical and teaching placements, helping them
on a review of our curriculum to ensure that it to develop professional skills and overcome
challenges learners, preparing them for the world challenges while on placement, as part of this
of work and lifelong learning. Our curriculum will crucial learning experience.
continue to place an emphasis on the value of
The DCU Student Experience focuses specifically
interdisciplinarity, drawing expertise from multiple
on the individual needs of our diverse student
disciplines to resolve authentic problems that
body. DCU strives to provide a ‘lived’ student
reflect the challenges of industry and society.
experience that is enriching and enlightening,
We will ensure that our undergraduate students
liberating and exciting. DCU attracts students
are exposed to the research work of the University
from a broad range of backgrounds and
community, and the contribution it can make in
experiences. We are committed to inclusion and
addressing these challenges.
will continue to develop pathways to entry and
The employability of graduates is a core strength frameworks of support, which cater to a wide
of the University. DCU’s Generation 21 is a suite of array of needs. Our active engagement with
initiatives that supports students’ achievement of groups who are under-represented in higher
six Graduate Attributes. These attributes play an education has been a core aspect of DCU’s values
important role in supporting the employability of since our foundation. Recognising the importance
our graduates. The six attributes are: creative and of co-curricular activities in a student’s
enterprising, solution-oriented, effective development, DCU will continue to place a strong
communicators, globally engaged, active leaders, emphasis on the lived experience, in addition to
and committed to continuous learning. their pursuit of academic excellence.
08 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Internationalisation Dublin City University’s Strategic Plan makes an ambitious commitment to Internationalisation. The University remains committed to global engagement through the formation of sustainable alliances with strategic global partners. In terms of its international profile, DCU focuses strongly on both the attraction of international students to our campuses in Dublin and Trans-National Education (TNE) delivery. DCU had 3,020 registered students holding non-Irish passports in 2017. These students came from 110 different nations. This diversity adds significantly to a rich, The Transatlantic Higher Education Partnership, multicultural experience for all our on campus signed by these progressive universities in 2013, students. In particular, we have developed a builds on this history and promises to provide partnership with PNU (Princess Nourah Bint students with unique education and research Abdul Rahman University) in Riyadh, Kingdom of experiences, while also growing the economies Saudi Arabia, whereby DCU Business School and positively impacting the communities in staff deliver DCU accredited programmes Arizona and Ireland. Resulting from this to DCU-registered students on the PNU Campus. partnership, new projects have been undertaken The delivery of additional degree programmes at to advance education and research in both PNU by the Faculty of Engineering and North America and Ireland. Computing and the Faculty of Science and Health are part of an expansion of DCU TNE activity in other parts of the Middle East. Arizona State University and DCU have been collaborating since 2006, developing international cooperation in education, research and economic development, based on their shared values of innovation and entrepreneurship, technology- enhanced learning, and research and discovery. 09 Dublin City University | Appointment of President
Engagement, Diversity
and Inclusion
Engagement has always been a fundamental element of the unique ethos of Dublin City
University, which continues to be the antithesis of an ivory tower university. Today, as the role
of the university in the modern world is being redefined and its importance in meeting the
unparalleled challenges of the age increases, this necessitates a renewed public legitimacy.
DCU’s Engagement Strategy is founded on linking the University to the outside world through
bridges which consist of people and programmes, the main facets of which are focused
around four key elements, namely: Engaged Students and Staff; Engaging Communities and
Partners; Regional and Global Engagement; and Engaged Research and Innovation.
In 2017, DCU supported nearly 1,300 access In 2015, DCU announced its Women in Leadership
students, making it the largest such programme by plan with a view to addressing the issue of gender
far in any Irish university. The programme is highly inequality at higher grades of appointment in the
successful as measured by completion rates and University. A suite of initiatives followed and DCU
employment success for our Access graduates. continues to make steady progress in this regard,
as reflected by the achievement of the Athena
DCU’s values of inclusion and equality are also
SWAN Bronze award in 2017.
reflected in a number of important initiatives
developed and established. For example, in 2013 In December 2017, DCU became Ireland’s first
DCU established the concept of the Age Friendly University of Sanctuary in recognition of the
University and became the world’s first university range of supports it has established to aid the
to adopt this brand. This model, and the refugee and immigrant community in Ireland.
associated generic principles, has subsequently A number of initiatives, including on-campus and
been adopted by many universities across the online scholarships, have been developed and
world (on four continents). more will be added as the initiative progresses.
10 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentRole Description
As President of Dublin City University, the successful candidate will be responsible for the
strategic leadership and management of the University’s operations and affairs.
Reporting to and working closely with the Chancellor and DCU’s Governing Authority, the
President will lead the process of defining, differentiating and shaping the institution
during its next phase of development. DCU has already proven its flexibility and
adaptability by establishing itself in a fast-moving and highly competitive higher
education sector. It is now well placed to improve its position by building on its excellence
in teaching, research and innovation. As DCU seeks to further enhance its position in the
world university rankings, and to deliver additional impacts in Ireland’s society and
economy over the coming decade, it is critical that our President is a visionary, strategic
thinker who inspires confidence and is highly influential within and beyond the University.
Key responsibilities: • support and develop ongoing and new
high-quality research activity;
The President will be expected to:
• lead and develop innovations in teaching and
• set an appropriate vision and strategy for DCU, learning with a view to enhancing the learning
while maintaining the ethos on which its success experience of DCU students;
to date has been built;
• maintain and develop relationships and
• provide strategic leadership for the staff and strategic partnerships both nationally and
students of the institution; internationally;
• engage with key stakeholders including the • act as an ambassador for the University in
Higher Education Authority (HEA), the high level national and international forums,
Government, Science Foundation Ireland and building and sustaining a network of
other research funders, business, alumni, other influential friends and supporters of the
education leaders and thought leaders in University;
Ireland and abroad;
• encourage the Access agenda, including
• communicate the University’s distinctiveness partnerships with schools and colleges;
and strengths in an effective and positive
manner;
11 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentRole Description
• ensure financial sustainability through a • continually enhance the reputation of the
diversity of funding streams, maximising University for excellence in research, innovation,
Government funding, developing the teaching and the student experience;
University’s commercial agenda to increase • encourage, and demonstrate through
commercial funding and identifying other example, a culture of openness, transparency
sources of funds; and empowerment throughout the University
• work closely with the DCU Educational Trust, community;
offering strategic guidance and playing a lead • work effectively with the Chancellor and
role in development activities; Governing Authority to ensure DCU meets the
• support the academic development of the highest standards of governance;
University, to ensure excellence across all • oversee the effective management of DCU’s
academic areas; financial, human and physical resources
against clear outcome targets and objectives.
12 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentPerson Specification
Dublin City University is seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to build on our
existing strengths and take us to the next level of performance in terms of global impact
and achievement for both teaching and research. The successful candidate will provide
both academic and executive leadership, will have a confident, clear and consultative
style, and will have the ability to inspire and motivate the whole University community.
They will have a deep commitment to Dublin City University, its values and its strengths.
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate an appropriate mix of strategic leadership
and networking skills to enable them to take on this high profile and distinctive position.
The President will demonstrate: • Proven networking and interpersonal skills,
with the capability to be an effective,
Experience and Achievements persuasive and credible ambassador for the
• A successful track record of leadership within University, nationally and internationally.
a respected higher education institution, • Credibility with the research community
or equivalent environment. across disciplines.
• A proven record of success in academic • Capacity to influence and drive the
research, ideally with a significant development of teaching and learning,
international reputation. understanding its importance and maintaining
• Experience of creating a vision and setting its profile within the wider setting of a
strategy within a high-profile and complex research-oriented institution.
environment. • Significant experience in creating a world-class
• A record of innovative thinking in a rapidly learning experience for students.
changing environment, where technology has • Proven aptitude for developing effective and
an increasing influence. professional working relationships with a
• A strong understanding of the global context diverse board, and with a core senior
for higher education. management team.
• A track record of taking appropriate, if at
times difficult, decisions and embedding
change successfully.
13 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentPerson Specification
Personal Qualities • Commitment to DCU’s strategic objectives
and values, including the promotion of equality
• Capacity for high-level, strategic thinking, and diversity.
combined with an ability to ensure the
• Integrity, sound judgement, and a strong belief
effective delivery of the university’s goals and
in the public good delivered by DCU.
objectives.
• An esteemed academic track-record and the
• The credibility, drive and ambition to grow
capability to lead a community of scholars.
the University’s presence nationally,
and internationally. • In-depth understanding of the conditions
necessary to support research and scholarship.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills.
• Sound financial judgement with an
• Capacity to foster and develop a strong
appropriate appetite for risk.
management team, to deliver the strategic
objectives of the University, through • The facility to develop, encourage and
empowerment and devolved authority. motivate high-performing senior teams.
• A talent for identifying and exploiting • A leadership style that encourages a culture
revenue-raising and commercial opportunities of openness, transparency and empowerment
that support the university’s objectives. throughout the University.
• Ability to actively listen and engage with all An ambassador for the University
staff and students. • An outstanding communicator with a winning
and inspiring leadership style to build
relationships with diverse partners on a local,
national and global basis.
• The ability to identify and forge strategic
partnerships for the University.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for a period of ten years
from July 2020.
The salary will reflect the seniority and
wide-ranging nature of this role and will be set
with reference to salary levels which currently
prevail for presidents in the Irish university sector.
The salary is pensionable.
On campus accommodation will be provided.
14 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentLiving in Dublin
Dublin is Ireland’s capital city with a population of about 1.3 million people. It is a truly
global city with an outstanding quality of life and there are academic and cultural
experiences that reflect Irish values. Steeped in history, Dublin is a hub for creativity
and culture with vibrant local arts, theatrical and musical activities widely recognised
as world class. It also attracts major international artists and productions to meet most
tastes. Dublin also hosts some of Ireland’s finest national treasures including the Book
of Kells and the cathedrals of Christ Church and St. Patrick’s.
Due to the city’s compact size and position on Dublin’s can-do, innovative and adaptable
the east coast, Dublin enjoys a scenic landscape attitude to business has led to the arts, culture
of mountains on one side and the sea on the and creative industries becoming vital
other. A quick trip can take you away from components of the city’s economy. Dublin has
the daily routine of urban life and into the become a thriving tech hub, with the ICT and
fresh air and tranquil surroundings of Dublin’s digital sectors now leading drivers in the
natural environment. region’s economy.
Ireland, at the heart of Europe, is seen as a great For further information on Ireland and on
place to do business and is home to most leading Dublin, please visit
global companies.
www.idaireland.com
www.enterprise-ireland.com
www.Dublin.ie
15 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentAppointment Process
and How to Apply
The University will be supported in this Completed applications should be uploaded at
appointment process by the executive search http://www.perrettlaver.com/campaigns/
firm Perrett Laver. Enquiries may be made dublin-city-university, quoting reference 4046.
directly to Dr Sinead Gibney (sinead.gibney@ The closing date for applications will be noon
perrettlaver.com; +353 1 905 3709) or Michelle (Irish time) on Friday 14th June.
Scanlon (michelle.scanlon@perrettlaver.com;
Candidates who are longlisted by the
+353 1 905 3706).
Committee will be invited to first round interview
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae with Perrett Laver in July and August. Shortlisted
detailing academic and professional qualifications candidates will be invited for informal
and experience, full employment history showing conversations and campus visits in October,
the more significant positions, responsibilities held, followed by formal interview with the Selection
relevant achievements and budgets and staff Committee on 27th, 28th and 29th November.
managed, and latest remuneration including any
The appointment will be made subject to
benefits. CVs should be accompanied by a covering
satisfactory references and it is intended that the
letter describing briefly how candidates meet the
appointee will take up employment mid-2020.
criteria outlined in the person specification, why the
appointment is of interest and what they believe
they can bring to the role.
16 Dublin City University | Appointment of PresidentPurposefully different,
consistently
Purposefullyexcellent
different,
consistently excellent
The Garrison
31/32 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2
D02 KA62
Republic of Ireland
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