Mature Student Officer (Part-Time)

National College of Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 35,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in Dublin seeks a dedicated professional to enhance access for mature students. The role involves designing recruitment strategies, providing application support, and offering ongoing student assistance. Candidates should have a Level 7 qualification or higher and experience with adult learners. This part-time position offers a salary of €35,000 pro rata and 24 annual leave days.

Benefits

Annual Leave: 24 Days

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience working with adult or non-traditional learners.
• Knowledge of Irish higher education landscape including HEAR/DARE.
• Ability to develop resources for mature applicants.

Responsibilities

• Design tailored recruitment strategies for mature learners.
• Develop relationships with community education providers.
• Offer academic and pastoral support throughout the student journey.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork skills

Education

Third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher)

Job description

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:

• 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

National College of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is a Member of the Athena SWAN Charter. NCI is committed to serving our diverse community and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.