Purpose of Position: To enhance access, participation, and success of mature students at National College of Ireland by designing and delivering targeted outreach, recruitment, and support initiatives.
The role aligns with the goals of the HEA National Access Plan and supports NCI's mission to provide inclusive and equitable education opportunities.
This is a varied and fast paced role that will suit an innovative candidate with high energy, great communication skills and a positive, can-do approach to work.
We need someone with initiative, with the ability to work on administrative tasks with efficiency, enthusiasm and attention to detail.
Reporting to: Head of Student Support and Welfare Key Responsibilities: Recruitment & Outreach Design and deliver tailored recruitment strategies to engage mature learners.
Develop relationships with community education providers, Further Education (FE) colleges, local employment offices, and adult learning centers.
Represent NCI at relevant events, information evenings, and access fairs.
Promote available financial supports (e.g., SAF, SUSI, Uversity).
Application and Transition Support Provide one-to-one guidance on application processes, RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning), and access routes.
Develop materials and resources specifically for mature applicants.
Coordinate pre-entry workshops and orientation events tailored for mature students.
Ongoing Student Support Offer academic and pastoral support throughout the student journey.
Develop and deliver initiatives to improve engagement, retention, and success (e.g., peer mentoring, drop-in sessions, tailored academic skills workshops).
Act as a liaison with academic and support departments to ensure mature students are represented and included in institutional planning.
Monitoring and Reporting Track engagement and outcomes of mature students, providing regular reports and insights.
Contribute to institutional access and inclusion strategies, including HEA and NAP reporting.
Key Requirements: Essential: A third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher).
Experience working with adult or non-traditional learners in an educational, community, or support setting.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
Knowledge of the Irish higher education landscape, including HEAR/DARE, RPL, SUSI, and the National Access Plan.
Proven ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
Desirable: Experience in recruitment, outreach, or widening participation roles.
Understanding of the barriers facing mature learners entering or returning to higher education.
Experience planning events or developing student-facing support materials.
Contract: Fixed-term (12 months) Salary: €35,000 per annum pro rata Annual Leave: 24 Days per annum pro rata Hours: Part-time (17.5 hours per week) Hybrid working may be considered To Apply: Please apply with a CV and cover letter both in PDF format ONLY, quoting reference number: NCI 1035 to: recruitment- by 5:00 pm, 10th October 2025 .
Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned the Mature Student Officer 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.