Job Title: Head of Academic Administration

Reporting to: Director of Academic Programmes

Location: Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road

Job Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Job Summary:

This job description is indicative of the tasks anticipated and, it is recognised that it would change and evolve over time. It will also vary in light of the college’s academic calendar.

The Head of Academic Administration is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational management of all academic administrative functions within the College. The post-holder ensures the integrity, quality, and compliance of all academic processes from admission through to graduation.

This role involves leading and developing the Academic Administration team, overseeing governance and compliance frameworks, managing budgets and performance, and representing the College on internal and external committees.

The Head of Academic Administration will work closely with Faculty Heads, Programme Directors, the Quality Assurance & Enhancement (QAE) Office, and external agencies such as QQI and the HEA.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Management

Provide overall leadership, direction, and strategic planning for the Academic Administration Department.
Ensure effective delivery of academic administrative services across all campuses and partner institutions.
Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and standardisation in administrative policies, systems, and processes.
Develop and implement governance frameworks to ensure compliance with QQI, HEA, SOLAS, and other regulatory bodies.

Governance, Policy & Quality Assurance

Lead the design, implementation, and review of academic administrative procedures in line with institutional and statutory requirements.
Act as a key member on core College committees, including:
- Academic Programmes Committee (APC)
- Quality Assurance & Enhancement (QAE) Committee
- Management Board (MB)
Maintain oversight of the governance calendar and contribute to internal and external audits, reviews, and accreditation processes.

Operational Management

Oversee the full student lifecycle administration – admissions, registration, records, timetabling, examinations, progression, and graduation.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of student data across all systems.
Direct and coordinate the operational delivery of graduation ceremonies, including liaison with QAE, faculties, and external venues.
Oversee reporting and returns to national agencies (HEA, QQI, SOLAS, DEFHRIS, NARIC, etc.) ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Budget, Resource & Performance Management

Develop, manage, and control the Academic Administration budget in line with College financial procedures.
Oversee cost planning and control for major academic events (registration, examinations, graduations).
Lead Performance and Reward Process (PRP) reviews, ensuring fair, consistent, and developmental staff performance management.
Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and staff professional development within Academic Administration.

Systems & Process Enhancement

Lead on implementation and optimisation of digital systems supporting academic administration.
Ensure data governance, security, and reporting standards meet internal and external requirements.
Champion process automation and efficiency projects aligned with the College’s digital transformation strategy.

External Relations & Representation

Represent the College on external working groups, sectoral bodies, and with professional and regulatory agencies.
Liaise closely with QAE, IT, Finance, Admissions, and other key functions to support cross-departmental alignment.
Maintain awareness of national and international trends in higher education administration and governance, benchmarking College practice accordingly.

Minimum Education / Experience Requirements:

Essential

Significant experience in senior academic administration management within higher education.
Demonstrable experience in leadership, governance, and policy development.
Proven ability in financial management and budget control.
Experience leading teams through change and performance management processes.
Excellent knowledge of QQI, HEA, and other Irish higher education regulatory frameworks.
Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A Level 9 (or higher) qualification.

Desirable

Experience of strategic planning or committee secretariat work at institutional level.
Project management and/or change management qualification.

The successful candidate will be required to carry out duties at all times in a highly ethical and professional manner, e.g. accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, timeliness.

About Griffith College

Griffith College is Ireland's largest independent third level institution with locations in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The main campus is situated on seven acres within a mile of St. Stephen's Green on Dublin's South Circular Road. Griffith College enjoys national and a growing international reputation for student success. The College has gained an enviable, award winning reputation for providing students with first class lectures and excellent study material. Griffith College offers internationally recognised postgraduate and undergraduate degree programmes, complimented by a wide range of professional, short term and corporate training educational solutions - in Griffith college, there is something for everyone. Today there are over 7,000 students studying in the College, which is a designated educational institute of the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Click the link for more information. http://www.griffith.ie/

Our Vision

‘To be recognised among the leading, innovative and socially enterprising of Ireland’s universities”

Why work for Griffith College?

Competitive salary package.
Access to health cash plan for self and family through salary sacrifice
Bike to work scheme.

Opportunity for continued training development and support.

Free parking facilities.*
Onsite subsidised restaurant.*
Onsite Gym.
Stunning historical premises.
Vibrant multidisciplinary and multicultural learning environment.

Innovative and agile place to work.

Welcoming environment committed to learner and staff development.
*Dublin campus on South Circular Road.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline of proposed areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing environment within the Faculty and the College.

Griffith College is an equal opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to work full-time for any employer in Ireland.

Head of Academic Administration

Benefits

Job Description