Head of Graduate Studies Office
Overall Role
The Head of the Graduate Studies Office of UCC will have overall responsibility, under the Academic
Secretary and Registrar & Vice-President for Academic Affairs, for developing and implementing effective
management systems for postgraduate education at UCC, in the context of the institution’s strategic
priorities in this area. The implementation of successful recruitment strategies will be a key responsibility.
Responsibilities
1. To manage the Graduate Studies Office;
2. To prepare annual budgets for the Office;
3. To work with Colleges/Faculties to develop and implement coordinated strategies for graduate
student recruitment;
4. To implement innovative university-wide administrative systems and procedures which support
graduate students from application stage through to graduation;
5. To optimize the use of IT in support of business functions;
6. To contribute to the development of policies which support excellent graduate education;
7. To manage graduate student orientation;
8. To act as Secretary to the Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee;
9. Any other duties assigned by the Registrar & Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
Reporting
The Head of Graduate Studies will report on a functional basis to the Academic Secretary but will work
closely with the Dean of Graduate Studies in achieving the institution’s strategic priorities for graduate
education in the context of Fourth Level Ireland
Appointment Criteria
1. A good honours primary degree, and preferably a postgraduate degree;
2. A proven record of achievement at senior administrative level in the third-level sector;
3. Familiarity with, and understanding of, administrative support systems which will facilitate
graduate education in the context of Fourth Level Ireland;
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, good IT skills and relevant experience in budgets
and project management.
Conditions of Employment:
Salary scale [new entrants]: €74,071 - €88,219. In all instances the successful appointment will be at the
first point of the scale.
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. Due to the nature and seniority of the post, however, it may be
necessary to extend and vary these hours from time to time in order to meet the exigencies of the post.
Annual Leave will be 30 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.
Sick Leave: Subject to certain conditions staff may be allowed up to 130 working days sick leave at full pay
and a further 130 working days, at half pay in any 12-month period. This is subject to the staff member
not exceeding 260 working days, (1 year) sick leave, at either full or half pay, in any period of 4 years. This
is subject to revision in accordance with the new public service sick leave scheme.
The tenure of the post is fixed term, based on the following provisions:
(a) A probationary period of six 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 Single Public Service Pension scheme, 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.
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%
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.
The Pay Related Social Insurance Class A1 rate of Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) applies to the post.
Voluntary Health Insurance: A VHI/Laya/ Aviva Health/ HSA/GloHealth 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.
Shortlisted candidates for posts shall be required to appear in person before a Board of Assessors in Cork, in
which case travelling and subsistence expenses at approved rates will be paid.
A successful candidate will be required to submit a birth certificate, documentary evidence confirming
academic qualifications and to undergo and medical examination.
References will be sought in relation to all candidates invited to attend for interview.
Please note that if you are considering applying for this post you must be able to supply proof of the right to
work in Ireland. If you do not have the right to work in Ireland you would need to obtain a work permit. We
are obliged by European law to appoint people who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) where
possible. Where there is no skills shortage for a particular post, it is highly unlikely that a work permit would be
granted.
Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on
their application form or any supporting documentation. Candidates should note that the submission of any
inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Note: Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Each candidate must complete an application form for the post (available at
http://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/policies/forms/application/ ). Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 5pm
on Wednesday 3rd September 2014 emailing a completed application form to paulodonovan@ucc.ie.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to
paulodonovan@ucc.ie
Paul O'Donovan Tel: 490-2269 Email:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER