The Director (Student Voice) is a key member of the senior management team of Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU), responsible for leading MSU’s democratic life, representational systems, advocacy agenda, engagement and communications functions. Reporting directly to the Director General, the postholder will play a central role in enhancing the organisation’s long-term resilience and capacity, ensuring that MSU continues to operate as a transparent, accountable, and inclusive organisation that empowers students to lead, engage, and make change.

This senior leadership position is dedicated to supporting officer success, ensuring that elected student leaders are equipped, confident, and effective in fulfilling their representational roles. By embedding sustainable officer–staff collaboration, developing structured leadership supports, and aligning democratic systems with MSU’s strategic vision, the postholder will help build a culture of shared purpose and strong governance across the organisation.

This role will lead a multidisciplinary team, currently comprising the Representation Administrator (Governance), Representation Administrator (Democracy), Representation Administrator (Academic), Events Coordinator, and Content Creator, to ensure that MSU’s democratic life is robust, its systems transparent, and its communications inclusive and student-centred.

Principle Duties

Principal duties associated with this role will include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership & Democratic Development

Provide strategic leadership and direction for MSU’s democratic and representational systems, ensuring they reflect the highest standards of inclusivity, accountability, and participation.
Develop and implement a multi-year Democratic Life Strategy that strengthens MSU’s representative systems, embeds sustainable officer–staff engagement, and serves as a framework of legitimacy and accountability within the Union and in partnership with the University
Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive Student Leadership Development Framework, encompassing officer induction, transition, training, and continuous professional development.
Drive innovation in democratic engagement, leveraging technology, partnerships, and data insights to enhance student participation and representation.
Ensure effective support and development for MSU’s representative structures, including the Executive, Student Senate, and Committees, promoting informed, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making.

2. Advocacy, Policy, & External Engagement

Collaborate with elected officers to develop and deliver evidence-based advocacy strategies at local, regional, and national levels on key student issues.
Provide policy advice, research support, and strategic insight to enhance the Union’s capacity for effective representation and influence.
Build and maintain constructive relationships with key university stakeholders, external partners, and sectoral bodies to advance MSU’s advocacy agenda.
Evaluate and report on the outcomes of advocacy initiatives, ensuring transparency and alignment with MSU’s priorities.

3. Volunteerism, Leadership, & Community Engagement

Oversee the development and growth of MSU’s volunteering and civic engagement portfolio, creating meaningful opportunities for student participation in community life.
Champion initiatives that recognise and develop student leadership, contribution, and participation, enhancing officer and volunteer success.
Support and enhance charity, social impact, and community engagement activities that reflect MSU’s values and mission.

4. Organisational Development, Governance & Compliance

Lead continuous improvement in MSU’s governance systems, ensuring compliance with legal, organisational, and constitutional obligations.
Contribute to the strengthening of MSU’s organisational resilience through robust planning, performance management, and knowledge continuity frameworks.
Provide strategic input into MSU’s organisational planning and risk management processes, contributing to the development of a strong, accountable, and student-led organisation.
Support the Director General by preparing reports, analyses, and recommendations on governance, democracy, and student engagement matters.

5. Communications, Campaigns, & Events

Provide strategic direction for MSU’s communications, campaigns, and events to ensure they effectively promote the Union’s mission, strengthen engagement, and amplify student voice.
Oversee the development of an integrated communications and engagement strategy that aligns with democratic, advocacy, and community priorities.
Champion innovation and inclusivity in how MSU connects with students through storytelling, campaigns, and events that build visibility and belonging.
Evaluate the reach and impact of engagement activities, using insight and feedback to drive continuous improvement

6. Team Leadership & People Management

Provide clear leadership, supervision, and professional development for a team, including but not limited to:
- Representation Administrator (Governance)
- Representation Administrator (Democracy)
- Representation Administrator (Academic)
- Events Coordinator
- Content Creator
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, ensuring alignment with MSU’s strategic objectives and values.
Manage resources effectively, ensuring optimal impact, value for money, and continuous improvement.

Note: as the Maynooth Students’ Union continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that some flexibility, regarding 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 representational support.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

Five or more years’ experience in people leadership and management skills, including the ability to support, develop, and motivate multidisciplinary teams and emerging student leaders.
Works in a collegial manner to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officers, staff, students, university stakeholders, and external partners.
Sound judgement and political awareness, with the capacity to navigate complex governance, democratic, and stakeholder environments in a balanced and ethical manner.
Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deliver against deadlines, and maintain oversight of multiple workstreams.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex or sensitive information clearly, persuasively, and appropriately to a range of audiences.
Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, student-led and time-bound leadership environment.
Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for decisions and actions while exercising appropriate judgement and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, sound judgement, and professionalism, with a clear understanding of confidentiality and organisational sensitivity.

Desirable criteria

A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
Previous experience in student representation, engagement, or a similar management role.
Strong facilitation and engagement skills, including the ability to support constructive dialogue, shared decision-making, and collective problem-solving.
Ability to work effectively in contexts of ambiguity or transition, providing clarity, stability, and support to staff and student leaders.

SOCIAL/WORK CONDITIONS 

7.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week). Occasional late evenings may be required; these are rare and planned in advance.
The role is primarily on-site, based on the campus of Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
A work phone and laptop will be provided.

Maynooth Students’ Union

Maynooth Students’ Union is the representative body for the students of Maynooth University (MU) and St Patrick's Pontifical University (SPPU) and seeks to serve their social, cultural, welfare, educational, political, and developmental needs, to further their interests, and generally to enhance their well-being. MSU operate a student centre and provides a range of support and other services to the student body. MSU also operates as a registered club for the purposes of running a members’ bar and venue.
MSU is an unincorporated association whose aims and objectives are defined by its Constitution adopted by its members.
MSU’s activities are primarily directed through the MSU Executive (comprising elected Full Time and Part Time Officers) with policy oversight from the MSU Student Senate (comprising the MSU Executive, Student Academic Reps, Clubs & Societies Council Members, and directly elected Student Senators, representing various interests) together with governance oversight from the MSU Board of Trustees. The MSU President is the prime student representative. The MSU President is assisted by the MSU Executive, the MSU Student Senate, and by the MSU Director General and their staff.
MSU is a member organisation of the Union of Students in Ireland.

Why Join MSU?

We offer a range of benefits to ensure you feel supported and valued as part of our team:

Training and Professional Development opportunities.
25 days of annual leave.
Pension Schemewith up to a 5% matching contribution.
Cycle-to-work scheme andTax Saver programme.
Employee discountsat MSU services.
Access to MSU’s Learning Hub, Wellness Hub, andEmployee Assistance Programme.

Selection and Appointment

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview.
Appointments will be approved by the MSU Director General based on the recommendation of the interview panel.
The appointment is expected to be effective as soon as possible thereafter.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time position with a salary band of €46,000 - €54,000, commensurate with experience.

Data Protection

Maynooth Students’ Union will process any personal data provided by you in connection with an application for this role in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Acts 2018.
If your application is successful and you accept an offer of employment at Maynooth Students’ Union, then your personal data will continue to be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice for Employees.
You can view our Job Applicant Privacy Notice on our website: http://msu.ie/your-union/data-protection-policy.html.

Application Procedure

We would be delighted if you applied for our Representation Administrator (Governance) role. To do so, please:

submit a CV (no greater than two A4 pages) and cover letter (no greater than two A4 pages outlining your motivations for applying for the role and your knowledge, experience, and skills that will enable you to be successful in the role).
You are welcome to communicate with us through this platform if you would like to have an informal chat about any aspects of the role or application process.
Maynooth Students’ Union is an equal opportunities employer.

Closing Date:

23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Friday 13th February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

MSU Director (Student Voice)

Benefits

Job Description