Director of Strategy and Planning
University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. We are proud of our strong Irish roots and our global reach. Ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide, today UCD is Ireland’s largest university with 39,000 students, an annual turnover of €848 million and annual research awards worth €220 million. We are a dynamic and engaged university that makes a difference to the world, to Ireland and in the lives of our students.
UCD now seeks to appoint a Director of Strategy and Planning to provide strategic leadership and direction to the strategic planning function of the University. Reporting to the Vice-President for Strategy and External Engagement, the successful candidate will be a key member of the extended leadership team, responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of the University's strategic vision. This role is central to embedding a culture of data driven decision-making and continuous improvement across the institution. They will lead the University’s programme management function, manage a diverse portfolio of strategic projects, and build strategic planning capability across the organisation, working closely with HR and senior stakeholders. In addition, this individual will shape and oversee a robust performance monitoring framework and develop collaborative relationships across colleges, schools, and professional services to ensure alignment and effective execution of the University’s long-term ambitions.
The successful individual will bring a strong track record of senior leadership experience in strategic planning, programme management, or related fields within a complex organisation. They will have a strong track record of leading high-performing teams, underpinned by strong analytical capability and the ability to interpret complex information and translate it into clear, actionable strategic direction. They will be an excellent and confident communicator, committed to high performance and continuous improvement, and be able to foster effective partnerships at all levels. In addition, they will have a track record of successful programme and project management and a deep understanding of project lifecycles and governance frameworks.
How to Apply
Further information, including details of how to apply, can be downloaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8195.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. The closing date for applications will be 12 noon Irish time on Friday 6th February 2026.
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