Purpose of Position: The P-TECH Programme Director will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and relationship management to ensure the successful implementation, sustainability, and potential scaling of the P-TECH Programme. Reporting to the Vice Dean of Social Sciences in NCI, the P-TECH Programme Director will also lead governance reform, promote effective communication, and support continuous improvement in line with the Department of Education and Youth's recommendations. P-TECH programme P-TECH is a highly innovative educational initiative that combines post-primary school with elements of higher education and workplace experiences with a view to building a range of 21st Century skills for students in the North-East Inner City (NEIC). P-TECH operates through a three-way partnership between schools, higher/further education institutions and industry partners. It includes a structured workplace learning strand with mentoring, worksite visits, speakers, and project days and a range of authentic learning opportunities to develop business and digital competencies including IT skills, digital literacy, emerging technologies, project management skills, communication skills, teamwork and problem-solving. The students involved in the programme work towards the achievement of a Level 6 10 ECTs Special Purpose Award. Additionally, a pilot P-TECH tertiary degree programme, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital and Business Skills (DABS) began in September 2024. DABS is be a bespoke education progression option for P-TECH students, and is designed to equip students with a broad range of employability competencies, preparing them for a successful career in the ever-changing business and digital world. P-TECH Project Office In 2025, an external review, commissioned by the Department of Education and Youth, was completed to assess the development of the first phase of the pilot. The review noted that while the curriculum and delivery of P-TECH in schools is working very well, the findings highlight areas for improvement, particularly regarding governance, communication, and coordination between stakeholders. Improving workforce-readiness, by equipping students with the critical technical, professional and transversal skills they need, is a challenging social endeavor which has the potential to achieve enduring beneficial outcomes to students of the NEIC and beyond. The next phase of development, including the establishment of a P-TECH Project Office, will involve strengthening the infrastructure and processes and it will be crucial to implement the recommended governance improvements, to enhance strategic oversight, streamline decision-making, and foster better communication among all parties involved. The P-TECH Project Office will be an independent office responsible for day-to-day operational management of the programme throughout the calendar year. The office will be led by the P-TECH Programme Director and the role of the office will be to lead, manage and coordinate P-TECH across the schools, industry, and further/higher education. This office will ensure smooth programme delivery, effective stakeholder coordination, and successful implementation of programme activities. It will be accountable to the Steering Committee for ensuring the operational aspects align with the strategic direction provided by the Steering Committee. Key Relationships Vice Dean School of Social Sciences Dean of School of Business and Social Sciences External Government Departments Department of Education and Youth (DEY) P-TECH Steering Committee Partners - schools, industry partners and P-TECH programme leadership NCI President NCI Senior Management Team Key Responsibilities Key roles and responsibilities of the P-TECH Programme Director include, but are not limited to: Strategic and Operational Leadership: Lead the overall implementation and continuous improvement of the P-TECH Programme across schools, higher/further education, and industry partners. Establish, manage and continuously improve the P-TECH Project Office, ensuring effective operational delivery and strategic alignment. Develop and oversee the implementation of robust governance structures in collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth (DEY) and the P-TECH Steering Committee. Provide financial oversight, including the preparation of annual budgets and financial reporting. Lead strategic planning and development efforts to expand and future-proof the programme. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management: Build and nurture high-trust relationships with key stakeholders - schools, industry partners, higher/further education institutions, and government bodies. Serve as the primary liaison to all partners, fostering strong collaboration and transparent communication. Develop and implement a structured onboarding and engagement plan for new and existing industry partners, ensuring high-quality mentor and volunteer experiences. Represent the programme externally and foster strategic partnerships and opportunities. Prog ramme Delivery & Operations: Coordinate the delivery of the P-TECH learning experience, including events, mentoring, workplace learning, and academic components. Support schools and educators in programme participation, identifying and addressing emerging needs to sustain quality delivery. Support industry mentors and volunteers, providing ongoing guidance and best practice models. Create greater cohesion and clarity in the roles and priorities for P-TECH and DABS going forward. Streamline operational processes and establish a coherent annual calendar of activities. Oversee the design and roll-out of a communications strategy to ensure consistency and clarity across all programme elements. Lead the development of improved infrastructure, including exploring IT platforms and data management systems to support administration and reporting. Acade mic Operations Interface (Internal): Liaise with the Dean, Academic Leadership Team, and relevant professional services to ensure cross-functional alignment and compliance with institutional policies. Support operational and strategic planning, particularly in relation to programme evaluation, risk management, and institutional reporting. Facilitate communication with regulatory and accrediting bodies as required. Essential Qualifications and Experience: An undergraduate degree at 2:2 level or above is essential At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at a senior level, ideally within education or programme management Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder programmes or partnerships Demonstrated excellence in project management, governance, communication, and stakeholder engagement Experience in budget preparation and financial oversight Strong record of strategic planning and organisational leadership Skills and Attributes: Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills Strong written, numerical, and verbal communication skills Proven leadership in cross-functional and collaborative team environments High level of digital literacy and competency in tools such as MS Office and data systems Analytical ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and present findings effectively Diplomacy, discretion, and confidence in dealing with senior executives and public representatives Conditions of Service Tenure: 5 year fixed term (full time) Salary: €85k DOE (Senior Manager Band -(€70,400 - €97,158) Pension: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme. Probation: Subject to a six-month probationary period. Location: Based at Mayor Street Lower, International Financial Services Centre, Dublin 1. Working Hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week (five-day week), with potential evening and weekend work as required. Annual Leave: The annual leave allowance is 27 days. National College of Ireland is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, or any other protected grounds. To Apply: Please apply with a CV and cover letter both in PDF format ONLY, quoting reference number: NCI1008 to: by 5:00 pm, 31ST July 2025. Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to P-TECH Programme Director are based on the current stated role and objectives of the College. These functions and responsibilities may alter in line with any change in the role and objectives of the College. The successful applicant will be subject to Garda Vetting and must not have any convictions under the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The Importance of Confidentiality We would like to assure you that protecting confidentiality is our number one priority. You can expect that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.