About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation's largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre.
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University (SHU), a leading U.S. university with a thriving global presence, is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director of SHU in Dingle, Ireland.
This senior role oversees all academic, operational, financial, and strategic functions of SHU's Dingle campus — driving its continued growth as a premier international education destination.
What You'll Do
* Serve as the face of SHU in Dingle, representing the University locally and internationally.
* Lead strategic planning — driving market analysis, program development, and enrollment growth.
* Oversee academic operations and ensure an exceptional study-abroad experience for all students.
* Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance, including grant funding and partnerships.
* Manage a dedicated local team and adjunct faculty while ensuring compliance with employment legislation.
* Oversee facilities, campus maintenance, IT infrastructure, and safety protocols.
* Build and sustain strong relationships with community leaders, partner universities, and government bodies.
* Expand educational tourism, alumni engagement, and global outreach initiatives.
* Lead marketing, recruitment, and external engagement efforts for the Dingle campus.
What You'll Bring
* Master's degree in higher education, business, or a related field.
* 7–10 years' senior leadership experience, ideally in international education or management.
* Demonstrated expertise in financial oversight, HR, compliance, and strategic planning.
* Excellent intercultural communication and relationship-building skills.
* Strong time management and decision-making abilities under high demands.
Why Join SHU in Dingle?
This is a unique opportunity to lead an internationally recognised campus in one of Ireland's most vibrant and inspiring communities. You'll shape the future of SHU in Dingle — fostering world-class academic experiences while building lasting global partnerships.
Due to the nature of the position and responsibilities related to students' needs, the Executive Director will be expected to reside in or near Dingle.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.