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Posted 26 July, 2026

Executive Vice Dean

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Full Time
Reference: 1760209910

Post Date : 24-Jul-2026
Close Date : 16-Aug-2026

Job Title: Executive Vice Dean - International Strategic Partnerships

Reporting To: Executive Dean or nominee

Location: Hybrid role - 121 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

School (or department): Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery

Contract type/duration: 3-year fixed term

Closing date for applications: 16th August 2026

About the post

The role of the Executive Vice Dean for International Strategic Partnerships forms a critical strategic and management link between the Executive leadership team, Faculty team and the Faculty Board in delivering the strategic ambitions outlined in the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Strategy 2024-2027. The role which is an academic post, will focus on building further global strategic partnerships and alliances, furthering the FNM international footprint, nursing and midwifery innovation and supporting the expansion of the Faculty's Fellowships and Memberships globally.

The successful candidate will ensure that the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery will effectively deliver the annual operational plans of its Strategic Plan with specific responsibility for delivering the actions and KPIs related to partnerships, alliances, international engagement and global footprint.

A key responsibility for the Executive Vice Dean International Strategic Partnerships is to lead and manage the activities of GILA including the RCSI FNM WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Nursing and Midwifery Regulation & CPD, develop and nurture further strategic partnerships and will be expected to make a substantial contribution to the innovative way the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI operates externally.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the existing and emerging strategic deliverables of GILA, incorporating the RCSI FNM WHO CC - Nursing and Midwifery (Regulation & CPD). The successful candidate will provide leadership and supervision to the expanding team working within GILA, incorporating the WHOCC. They will be responsible for responding to tenders and other grant applications for further research and project activity aligned with the strategic ambitions of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, GILA and the RCSI FNM WHOCC. The role will involve developing innovative funding streams (including philanthropy) to ensure sustainability of the Collaborating Centre into the future.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, the postholder will contribute to the Faculty's strategic priorities including priorities that emerge from the RCSI FNM WHOCC. The postholder will also attend and report into the existing GILA Sub-Committee of the Board and is expected to project manage the GILA and WHOCC activities as strategic Faculty business.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

§ Inform the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery's strategic perspective with regard to national and international partnerships, alliances and collaborations (including the WHOCC partnerships) in line with the Faculty's strategic actions, RCSI's strategic plan and emerging research priorities.

§ Develop, lead and co-ordinate the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery internationalisation and external engagement strategy with particular focus on the WHOCC agenda, nursing and midwifery education, policy, professional nursing and midwifery regulation, continuing professional development, practice and innovation in collaboration with the Executive Dean, Executive Vice Deans and the Faculty Board.

§ Liaise with RCSI's Insights and Planning Office (IPO) to ensure the alignment of strategic priorities, information and data sharing, communication, and identifying potential opportunities and partnerships.

§ Collaborate with RCSI's (IPO) in supporting the ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, University Rankings, impact reports and profile-raising activities.

§ Develop innovative funding/revenue streams in conjunction with RCSI's Development Office.

Internationalisation and External Engagement:

§ Foster a culture of partnership, engagement, collaboration and global professionalism for the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery.

§ Lead the activities, partnerships and ongoing designation of the RCSI FNM WHOCC.

§ Collaboratively work with the Director of International Engagement and External Relations, RCSI, and team to explore potential opportunities, partnerships and alliances.

§ Align Faculty and GILA priorities with emerging national, European and global health regulation and workforce priorities.

§ Identify, advise and support the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery staff and Board in relation to national and international trends and business opportunities with respect to nursing and midwifery policy, leadership, CPD and regulation.

§ Lead the international agenda for the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, working collaboratively and innovatively with partners and alliances on strategic nursing and midwifery issues, publishing and disseminating the findings widely.

§ Lead and develop internal and external networks to foster collaboration and share information and ideas and to promote nursing and midwifery policy, leadership, regulation and innovation.

§ Carry out independent research adding to the body of knowledge in strategic subject areas such as policy and regulation and make a significant contribution to the strategic innovation development of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery.

§ Collaborate with the Faculty's European Centre of Excellence - CPD on this shared research agenda

§ Lead, support and develop international collaborative projects within the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and to develop international and external partnerships and alliances.

§ Actively disseminate GILA and RCSI FNM WHOCC activities and outputs widely through publication writing, supporting other staff to write and contribute to academic and policy publications, teaching and presentations at conferences.

§ Promote and transition policy, regulation and new innovations into Faculty educational programmes, into continuous professional development and into the application of new innovations into practice.

§ Lead project and funding grants/tenders for policy and regulatory research for GILA and the Faculty.

§ Manage national and international research and project contracts and budgets in conjunction with other Faculty staff.

§ Develop a GILA funding model with the Executive Dean, Faculty Honorary Treasurer and Board.

§ Secure a diversified income for International/External activities (including GILA operations) from a range of sources such as Horizon-Europe, national research funders, consultancy opportunities, industry partners, regulators and professional bodies.

§ Contribute to research and scholarship opportunities across the Faculty Executive, collaborating in the development of joint proposals and project work.

§ Participate in the management and affairs of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery as directed by the Executive Dean.

§ Ensure effective communication processes between the Executive Dean, the Dean and Faculty Board and GILA Sub-Committee, Faculty team and others to ensure proper information flow within the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery.

Managing and Developing People:

§ Provide direct leadership to assigned staff and contractors (including GILA and RCSI FNM WHOCC and other new and emerging strategic partnerships).

§ Manage, or delegate via a nominee, the allocation of duties of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery as advised by the Executive Dean to ensure effective innovative international and external collaborations.

§ Manage assigned staff and team development including ensuring completion of annual professional development planning (PDP) for direct and indirect reports.

§ Foster scientific and clinical academic staff participation in International Engagement and External Relations.

Internal and External Management:

§ Work and develop collaborative opportunities with teams and departments across the University.

§ Deputise for the Executive Dean as required and assist ensuring the Faculty is represented at relevant Faculty/School and University committees.

§ Deepen collaboration and foster meaningful relationships with national policy makers, international policy makers, national and international regulators, the WHO, clinical academic sites and colleagues, ensuring continued engagement and high standards in delivery of the international agenda within the Faculty.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

§ PhD/Doctorate (Level 10NFQ) in a relevant academic health sciences discipline

§ Experience of developing and leading strategic policy and or practice in the Nursing and or Midwifery profession in an international context,

§ Leadership in relation to professional regulation and education for the Nursing and Midwifery professions.

§ Track record in securing external funding through the development of strategic projects either from inception or deliberate maturing i.e. grant awards, philanthropy, trusts and foundations.

§ Evidence of publications and report writing in nursing/leadership/governance/policy/education/ international collaboration

§ Strong leadership record evidenced by a proven track record with high-performing teams, new projects, quality improvements and / or new service development.

§ Evidence of Strong Financial and budgeting acumen and management with the associated governance applied

§ Capacity for original thought and the ability to produce original and up to date innovative methodologies and strategic application.

§ Embody the values of the Faculty and RCSI,

§ Project management expertise

The successful candidates core values and behaviours should demonstrate:

General Competencies Leadership competencies
• Client and customer service Vision
• Scholarship and excellence Leadership and respect
• Collegiality and Facilitation professionalism
• Innovation and flexibility Student and customer service
• Planning and organising Effective Collaboration and partnership working

Desirable Skills

§ Registered Nurse and or Midwife (or eligible to be registered with NMBI)

§ Experience of working with international projects,

§ Academic experience including PhD supervision and completions leadership role,

§ Effective communication style appropriate to audience and situation,

§ Strong commitment to own personal and professional development,

§ Excellent time-management skills to effectively progress role objectives,

§ Has a proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.

Application Process

Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal by the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a formal competence-based interview and presentation as part of the application process.

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