The Trustees of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, invite applications for the post of President of the College. The position arises in 2025 and the appointment is for a five-year term which may be renewed or extended for one further term.
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth is nationally and internationally recognised for the quality and value of its contribution to theological learning, scholarship, research and seminary formation since its original foundation as the Catholic National Seminary in 1795. In 1896, it was recognised as a Pontifical University with Faculties of Theology, Canon Law and Philosophy. St. Patrick’s College Maynooth comprises both St. Patrick's Pontifical University and St. Patrick's National Seminary. While governed by common Trustees the Pontifical University and the National Seminary are autonomous entities, each with its own particular mission and identity reflected in their respective statutes.St Patrick’s Pontifical University (SPPU) offers a variety of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. St. Patrick's Pontifical University is located on one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland, alongside Ireland's newest university, Maynooth University established in 1997.
Details of the Position
The President of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, is ex officio the President (Rector) of the Pontifical University.
Appointment
· The President shall be appointed by the Trustees of the College.
· The President shall be appointed for a five-year term, which may be renewed once only consecutively.
· The proposed nominee is subject to approval from the relevant Dicastery of the Holy See and will be appointed in accordance with the current statutes of the College.
Commencement date Mid-August 2025
Role and Responsibilities of the President
The first responsibility of the President is the leadership and executive management of all the operations of the College, including the academic life of the Pontifical University, and the administrative and financial affairs of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
The President is to be a person of vision, possessing proven capacity in leadership, and be committed to the Catholic ethos and mission of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth.
The President will engage collaboratively with stakeholders and develop the vision and strategic planning for the College and the Pontifical University. This includes the provision of lifelong learning and ongoing formation in leadership and pastoral care in a variety of settings.
The President will work with Trustees, staff, students and others, through the Centre for Mission and Ministries Programme, in exploring how the College can address the emerging needs of Catholic Church in Ireland and beyond.
The President directs, promotes, and coordinates all the activity of the academic community, while promoting the Pontifical University as a national and international centre of philosophical, theological and pastoral education and research.
The Pontifical University has long been recognised internationally as leader in the Catholic intellectual tradition, contributing to debates and dialogue at home and abroad. St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, welcomes many students from abroad to study and conduct research.
The President is accountable to the Trustees for providing effective and efficient management of the resources, property and finances of the College.
The President leads fundraising for the College through building on existing relationships and developing new ones.
The President shall maintain and foster good relationships with the President and officials of the Maynooth University, and with academic, cultural, and commercial partners, both locally and internationally.
Requirements
Applicants are required to have a degree to doctoral level and have obtained a licence in a theological discipline from a Pontifical Faculty, and have relevant experience of teaching theology at third level.
Applicants are required to have experience in leadership and management of a third level educational institution
Candidates must provide written permission from their Ordinary or Religious Superior before the closing date set out below.
Application Procedure- How to apply
Click on the Apply button. You will be brought through a series of questions or requests for uploads which will include supplying
· A complete Curriculum Vitae/Resume which should include details of required qualifications and experience.
· A covering letter or personal statement setting out the reasons the candidate views his experience, skills and knowledge and personal attributes as suitable for this position.
· Full contact details (to include email and postal addresses, as well as telephone numbers).
· The names and current contact details of two referees.
· The letter of written permission from his Ordinary or Religious Superior.
This is a five-year contract position.
Candidates must be available to take up the role by 18th August 2025 to be conversant of the expectations for the new Academic year- 2025/2026
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 5.00p.m.(GMT) on Friday, 25th April 2025. Interviews will take place early May 2025
Further information is available on
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Additional relevant resources may be forwarded directly to candidates following their application.