Societies Council Chairperson
Applications are invited for the position of Chairperson
UCD Societies Council is the representative body of student societies in UCD. Established in 1992, the Societies Council has a membership of over 80 recognised student societies, and is responsible for representing, advocating on behalf of, and supporting the interests and activities of student societies. The Societies Council is responsible for the allocation of funding and grants to each student society.
UCD Societies Council operates as UCD Societies.
Working in partnership with each student society, UCD Societies support student development and the promotion of student life across the campus. This work caters to current and prospective students, as well as other members of the University community. Alongside the daily work of promoting UCD student societies and the UCD Student Experience, UCD Societies maintains an online events calendar and contributes content to a number of UCD publications.
UCD Societies are committed to supporting student enterprise and building a vibrant and engaged community experience based on teamwork and respect.
The Role:
The Chairperson of the Societies Council represents the interests of student societies and their members at all levels within University College Dublin
The Chairperson must be independent of any particular student society during their term
The Chairperson must work closely with the University to support, develop, and advocate for student life in general, and more specifically with respect to student societies An important element of this work includes the promotion of the activities of recognised student societies to the campus community, and to wider local communities where appropriate.
The Chairperson acts as a student representative and advocate In this regard, they work closely with the Societies Officer, to deliver a quality service for recognised student societies and their members.
The Chairperson provides support for student activity across the University, and for all activities carried out under the auspices of the Societies Council. They will also seek out development opportunities Their work can include student society event support, guest liaison and other special duties and projects as required, including University Open Days and Orientation programmes
The successful candidate will display a genuine enthusiasm for student activity in a university setting, a strong work ethic, a flexible and critical approach to problem solving, and a willingness to learn within a pressurised environment
This is a one year appointment, commencing 01 July 2023, or as agreed.
Key Responsibilities
Representation
● Chairing meetings of the Societies Council and its committees as required.
● Membership of and attendance at various committees associated with student activities and the student experience, including, but not limited to:
○ University Management Team Student Experience Group (UMT SEG)
○ Student Activities Committee (SAC)
○ Clubhouse Management Committee
● Building relationships and liaising with other units and stakeholder groups, on both an on-going and project-specific basis, including Student Services, International Office (UCD Global), Student Advisers & Chaplaincy, Registry, Residences, Estate Services, and IT/EAG Services.
● Contributing to campus wide engagement efforts including Student Recruitment events, such as the UCD Open Days.
Support
● Regular presence at student society events/activities.
● Provide advice to student society officers.
● Develop and facilitate training/workshops for student society officers
Administration
● Manage communication channels associated with the Societies Council as directed This may include, email accounts, social media platforms, and the UCD Societies Website.
● Manage access to and usage of the University’s membership database (ie InfoHub).
● Manage the UCD Societies brand and reputation
● Develop strategy, policies, and procedures relating to student society activity.
● Support the development and delivery of Societies Council events, including Freshers Week, with particular responsibility for Refreshers Day and the Society of the Year Awards
Person Specification
Required Skills
● Third level qualification or progression towards the same
● Experience in a student society environment
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an out-going personality
● Effective verbal, written, and organisational skills
● Attention to detail
● Excellent time-management
● Self-motivated and flexible, with an ability to work independently
● Experience of public speaking and presentation skills.
● Honest and self reflective
● Discretion in handling confidential information
Desirable
● Good knowledge of UCD structures and policies
● Experience on a student society / university committee, or equivalent
● Experience with problem solving and risk management
● Experience in a leadership or team management capacity
● Knowledge of budget management and financial planning
● Experience with Wordpress or similar content management system
Additional Notes on Eligibility
It is intended that the role of the Chairperson of the Societies Council should be an undergraduate student or recent graduate (not more than 2 years upon appointment). This guideline is in place to ensure that the Chair of the Societies Council remains connected to the current student body and that the position does not become a long-term (or indefinite/permanent) position.
The Chairperson must uphold the constitution of the Societies Council
Further Information
Working Hours
The position is contracted for 20 hours per week. Flexibility will be required, and work may include unsocial hours and weekends. Overtime will not be payable but time off in lieu may be agreed. Hours may be set around other commitments, including classes, by agreement
The successful candidate will be an employee of ‘UCD Campus Sport & Leisure Ltd.’, reporting to the Executive Committee of the Societies Council and to the Societies Officer
Pay Scale
The successful candidate will be paid €23,500 per annum, pro rata
Contact - Informal enquiries can be made to Stephen Whelan at stephen whelan1@ucd ie
To Apply
Applications should include:
1 Proposal (maximum two pages): Outline your understanding of the role within the context of the UCD Student Experience, and your ideas for the development of the role and the development of UCD student societies
2 CV: Outline your experience to-date, positions and projects of responsibility, evidence of application of skills and criteria listed above.
Applications should be submitted to societies.jobs@ucd.ie before the closing deadline at 17:00 Friday 19 May 2023.
Interview Process
Candidates meeting the specified criteria may be short-listed prior to being invited for interview
Interviews will be scheduled for the beginning of June 2023. This will be a formal interview, to take place in the UCD Student Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4 Candidates who wish to avail of reasonable accommodation are asked to indicate their needs when submitting their application.
Further Information - Informal enquiries can be made to Stephen Whelan at stephen.whelan1@ucd.ie.