UCC recruits for vice-presidents’ positions

THE latest phase of management restructuring at University College Cork is moving ahead, with the creation of three vice-presidents’ posts in the areas of operations, teaching and student experience.

In line with UCC president Dr Michael Murphy’s identification of a number of strategic areas of development since his appointment in February, many major changes are taking place, including some changes already introduced in structures and roles for the college’s governing body.

UCC has now advertised jobs for three portfolios as vice-president for support operations, vice-president for teaching and learning and vice-president for the student experience. The teaching and learning post may be similar to the pre-existing vice-presidency held by Professor of Education Áine Hyland until her retirement this year.

However, the other two are entirely new areas of responsibility for a vice-president and candidates are likely to be invited to bring their own ideas of what the role should involve. There is no defined job description at this stage, although applicants may receive more detailed information from the international recruitment firm engaged to help with the appointment.

A UCC spokesperson said the selection process had begun and the scope of the advertised positions will be a matter for discussion between the applicants and the university.

The jobs will be formally taken up from January 1 next year, but the salaries have not been disclosed. The advertisements state that a competitive remuneration package will be available, relevant to the successful candidates’ skills, experience and responsibilities.

The college has more than 17,000 students and the number has been growing steadily in recent years.

There is also a widening variety of student profiles, with 2,000 international and rising numbers of mature students. The university has 2,500 academic, administration and other staff.

Also advertised yesterday was the vacancy created at UCC’s College of Medicine and Health when Dr Murphy was appointed president earlier this year.

The university is also seeking to appoint a chief legal officer and secretary.

Since his appointment, Dr Murphy has engaged in discussions with all staff and student groups about improving the university’s structures.

Former Attorney General Dermot Gleeson was appointed as chairman of UCC’s governing body in March, bringing an expertise on legal matters to the management system. He is also a high-profile figure in the business world, having been chairman of AIB.