St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth is seeking a Quality Assurance and Enhancement Manager (5-Year Contract Post)

Application link - click here to apply.

St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795 as the National Seminary, becoming a Pontifical University in 1896. In the intervening two centuries, it has established an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning. Often referred to as Maynooth College, St Patrick’s Pontifical University (SPPU) specialises in the study of theology, philosophy, ministry, and related areas. It is located on one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland, alongside Ireland's newest university, Maynooth University.

Building on over 225 years of an educational legacy, our vision states that St Patricks will “be established as a leading Pontifical University and its campus recognised globally as a place of innovation and transformation, where ‘learning and living’ for the individual and community is in a sustainable, inclusive, and unbounded environment.”

The mandate of The Pontifical University is expressed in its constitutive document Veritatis Gaudium (2017), and quality assured by AVEPRO (Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties). The capacity of the Pontifical University is in its people, relationships, heritage, and expertise. This Quality Assurance role will further position it to realise its fullest potential in serving society and church, nationally and internationally.

Role Profile

The portfolio of The Quality Assurance and Enhancement Manager includes development and implementation of Quality Assurance strategies; oversight of programme and institutional accreditation and compliance; conduct of quality audits and assessments; management of feedback processes; facilitation of continuous improvement initiatives; provision of training and support; and collaboration with stakeholders and partners.

You will be asked to

· take a lead in advancing the quality assurance culture of across the Pontifical University in line with our overarching strategic objectives, by way of policy creation, training and support, coordination of the review cycle and management of feedback.

· ensure compliance with the requirements of statutory and funding bodies, national and international.

· coordinate and manage the quality assurance review cycle for faculties, centres, and units.

· draft reviews, report and propose strategy on Quality Assurance to the Pontifical University Leadership and the Governing Authority.

· work within the demands of a small privately run Higher Education Institution.

While working alongside the leadership team, within the Pontifical University and across Maynooth campus, you will be required to directly engage and direct the responsibilities of the role.

The post-holder will work closely with the Pontifical University’s leadership team. The role operates within a dual reporting structure, wherein they have a direct reporting line for operations and projects to the Registrar and for matters pertaining to reports on quality standards the post-holder reports to the President. This dual reporting structure is designed to protect the independence of the role, while optimising effectiveness in operational tasks and completing quality assurance initiatives. In addition, the successful candidate will work in close collaboration with key stakeholders across the Pontifical University and its collaborative partners.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities include policy compliance; programme and institutional accreditation; curriculum evaluation; quality metrics and reporting; assessment and evaluation; staff development; student and stakeholder feedback; audit and review processes; documentation and record keeping; provision of reports to the University leadership.

Tasks and Duties

The duties of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:

· Design and implement a comprehensive quality assurance strategy that aligns with national and international accrediting bodies and the mission and strategy of the Pontifical University

· Monitor review Quality Assurance procedures and policies at SPPU and their alignment to national and international best practice

· Lead engagement with the QQI, DFHERIS, AVEPRO and other national and international accrediting and funding organisations

· Implement, review and update a range of academic policies including the Quality Assurance Handbook and General Assessment Regulations.

· Manage accreditation processes of the University, ensuring compliance with accrediting bodies' standards and requirements.

· Collaborate with academic departments to prepare for accreditation visits and reviews.

· Coordinate peer review audits and assessments of academic programmes, support services, and administrative processes to identify areas for improvement.

· Oversee the quality assurance cycle of collaborative partners

· Implement assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes, programme effectiveness and stakeholder insight

· Analyse data and draft reviews articulating current strengths and opportunities for advancing quality assurance procedures

· Provide reports to Governing Authority on completed reviews and publication of final reports

· Develop and implement initiatives, including training for faculty and staff, to enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and support services

· Identify and mitigate risks related to academic quality and compliance

· Maintain accurate records of quality assurance processes, assessments, and improvement initiatives

· Ensure that documentation is readily available for accreditation and audit purposes

· Ensure consistency in the presentations of the institution in all its material

· Act as secretary to and ex-officio member of the SPPU Quality Assurance Committee

· Coordinate and manage the business of other relevant committees, subgroups and working parties

· Represent the University on appropriate external bodies and disseminate information

· Liaise with Maynooth University on matters of quality assurance that pertain to the student and staff experience

· Input relevant and current information to international organisations and funding bodies, including oversight of the IEM listing

Any other duties and responsibilities appropriate and commensurate with the level of responsibility as determined by the President.

This list is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of this position; it is not intended to be inclusive of all duties the role holder may be requested to undertaken.

Ideal

· Experience of working effectively with senior leadership in a higher education context

· Excellent organisational and planning skills

· Ability to formulate and implement policy

· Clear and logical analytical skills, and understanding of the development and execution of management reporting

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

· Evident capacity to use Information Technology

· Clear knowledge of the national and international quality assurance frameworks and bodies, and legislative landscape for higher education

· Clear understanding of and the ability to report on any implications of the Pontifical University’s quality assurance / quality enhancement processes.

Essential

· Previous administration experience in higher or further education

· Previous experience in a quality assurance, enhancement or improvement role

· Relevant professional qualification at master’s level

Ideally candidates should be available to take up the role by 8th April 2024 or very soon thereafter to be conversant of the expectation for new Academic year.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - 5.00p.m. - 28th February 2024

Click here to apply

It is expected that interview and selection will take place in the week ended 22nd March 2024

Location

Maynooth, Kildare

Department

Pontifical University

Employment Type

Fixed Term Contract

Minimum Experience

Senior Manager/Supervisor

Compensation

€44,018 - €62,617 - 9pt scale

Internal Job Code

QAEM