PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ACE SPRINGBOARD TEAM)
CENTRE FOR ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION
12 MONTH PART-TIME POST (.4 FTE)
The post of Programme Coordinator (ACE Springboard Team) is a part-time role reporting to
the Business Development Officer. The appointee will be required to support the
organisation and administration of a number of part-time programmes for eligible
jobseekers under the government’s annual Springboard scheme.
The ideal candidate will have proven ability through extensive administrative experience of
an appropriate nature including student recruitment, course coordination and engaging with
key stakeholders. Excellent organisational, interpersonal and computer skills are essential.
The main responsibilities and duties of this post will be:
 To co-ordinate the day-to-day administration of a number of part-time Springboard
programmes including liaising with programme teams in academic units and the
Springboard career advisers in the Careers Service; overseeing the student
experience; maintaining student feedback and outcome records; and managing the
programme evaluation process;
 To plan for programme delivery and effectively meet deadlines, in terms of student
recruitment, selection and registration; and programme preparation;
 To develop promotional material and market ACE Springboard programmes to key
organisations and potential students;
 To handle all programme queries (telephone, email, and personal callers to the
office) from Academic staff, Administrative staff, students and external contacts and
addressing any arising issues from the student, lecturer or client perspective in a
timely manner;
 To provide pastoral support and guidance to students registered on designated
programmes as required;
 To maintain successful relationships with registered students, key internal staff
(programme administrators, UCC academic unit staff, Springboard Careers Advisers,
etc.) and external stakeholders (HEA, Department of Social Protection, etc.);
 To contribute to the ACE Springboard team in terms of process and policy
development.
General / Management
 To deliver a student centric approach where hands on interaction, discretion,
confidentiality and professionalism are always required when dealing with the many
individual student matters that may arise;
 To represent ACE, as appropriate, in conducting business both within and outside the



University;
To contribute to the management of key Springboard events as required;
To perform all duties with enthusiasm, discretion, tact, diplomacy, confidentially and
professionalism;
To work outside of office hours, as required, in order to ensure the successful
delivery of part-time Springboard programmes.
Occasional Duties and Responsibilities:
 To undertake other appropriate duties as assigned.
Note; as ACE continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that flexibility in regard to the
allocation of specific duties will be necessary. Accordingly the list of duties detailed above is
not intended to be exclusive or restrictive, duties may be added or withdrawn but any such
alterations will take place within the remit of the head of department/office and after
consultation with the appointee.
Selection Criteria:
Decisions made at shortlisting and interview will be based on the following criteria.
Essential
 Highly motivated, flexible, confident, energetic, enthusiastic and proactive selfstarter with the capacity for managing and prioritising a varied and demanding
workload;
 Proven ability through extensive administrative experience of an appropriate nature;
 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with an ability to engage
effectively, efficiently and appropriately with staff, students, and external
organisations;
 Excellent organisational and IT skills and experience of working to deadlines whilst
coping with competing priorities;
 Proven record of working independently and as part of a team and in achieving short‐
term and long‐term goals;
 Proven ability to exercise professional judgement and to use initiative appropriately;
 Proven ability to plan effectively, meet deadlines and work productively under
pressure;
 Enjoy working as part of a team dedicated to delivering quality service in a busy and
rewarding environment.
Desirable
 Third level or equivalent qualification;
 Experience in a University or another Higher Education Institute;
 Operational knowledge of Third Level Education in Ireland;
 Experience of dealing with adult learners;
 Experience of dealing with jobseekers;
 Proven networking and relationship management skills;
 Demonstrated experience of working under tight deadlines and working outside of
normal office hours.
Conditions of Employment:
Salary Scale: pro-rata of €29,541 - €43,057 (Scale B), €28,091 - €40,942 (Scale A).
Alignment to the first point of scale is mandatory per public sector pay guidelines and is not
subject to negotiation unless the successful appointee is in the same or an analogous
grade/role within the public sector. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to
time in line with Government pay policy.
Annual Leave will be pro-rata of 23 days per annum. This leave is exclusive of public holidays
and Good Friday. The leave year commences on 1 July annually and four days annual leave
must be held for the Christmas closure period.
Normal hours of duty are Monday to Thursday inclusive 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and 9.00 a.m.
to 5.00 p.m. on Friday with 60 minutes for lunch daily (full-time hours – part-time hours to
be agreed locally).
Sick Leave: Sick leave will be granted in line with University policy in this regard which may
change from time to time. You should familiarise yourself with the University Sick Leave
Policy and University Sick Leave Management Policy.
The tenure of the post is fixed term, based on the following provisions:
(a) A probationary period of twelve months shall apply from commencement of employment
in the post during which the contract of employment may be terminated by either party in
accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to 2001. The
probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the University.
(b) Except in circumstances of gross misconduct justifying immediate dismissal, the
appointee will receive one month's notice of termination of employment, or, if greater, such
notice as is provided for in a minimum notice in terms of Employment Act, 1973.
(c) The appointee is required to give one month's notice of termination of employment.
(d) Under the Public Service Superannuation Act 2004, for all new entrants to the Public
Sector on or after April 2004, the normal retirement age is 65. It is no longer possible
therefore to retire before age 65.
Pension: The appointee will become a member of the UCC Pension Scheme/Single Public
Service Pension scheme, as appropriate, which provides personal retirement benefits as well
as benefits for spouses and children. The contribution rate comprises 3% of pensionable
remuneration and 3½% of net pensionable remuneration. Tax relief is accrued on these
payments.
In addition, additional dependants’ benefits can be provided by membership of the
Voluntary Life Assurance Scheme.
After one year’s continuous service you will be eligible to become a member of the Income
Continuance Plan. This provides additional payment where salary is reduced or ceased
because of long-term illness or injury. Contributions, which are tax-allowable currently,
amount to 0.8% (gross) of salary.
Membership of the Group Personal Accident Scheme shall apply to all employees, subject to
individual acceptance by the Insurance Company. The salary quoted is subject to a
deduction from salary at the rate of .06%
The Pay Related Social Insurance Class A1 rate of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) applies
to the post.
Voluntary Health Insurance: A VHI/Laya/ Hibernian Health/ HSA group scheme is in
operation and contribution may be deducted from salary, with effect from the Scheme’s
renewal date (May of each year).
Additional benefits: We offer progressive employment and training policies including
opportunities for further studies. Staff can avail of membership of a variety of clubs and
societies and a wide range of facilities on campus, including a leisure centre.
Certificates and Testimonials: These documents should not be sent with the application.
Candidates who are selected for interview will be requested to submit the necessary
documentation.
Note: Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their
application.
A successful candidate will be required to submit a birth certificate, documentary evidence
confirming academic qualifications. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance
may also be required.
For an informal discussion on the post please contact Dr Séamus Ó Tuama, Director, ACE
(Centre for Adult Continuing Education) on ACEDirector@ucc.ie
Each candidate must complete an application form for the post (available at
http://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/policies/forms/application/ ). The completed application form must
be returned by email to ACEDirector@ucc.ie (CVs and handwritten forms will not be
accepted).
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday, 20th November 2015
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER