Deputy Chairperson
Applications are invited for the position of Deputy 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 several 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 Deputy Chairperson represents the interests of student societies and their members at all levels within the University and must be independent of any student society during their term
The Deputy Chair works closely with the Societies Chairperson and Societies Officer to develop the activities of societies on campus, increasing engagement and raising their profile within and outside the University.
The Deputy Chair has special responsibility for training and development, driving personal growth and enabling society officers to deliver the highest quality of service to their members.
The Deputy Chair should have a broad focus on the continuous development of the various processes and functions of societies and of the Societies Council. This focus extends to improving the resources and facilities available to societies (e g enhancing internal operations of the Council or collaborating with other units to improve service delivery of student societies) In this way, the Deputy Chair should seek out potential development opportunities, in part through regular engagement with society officers, society members, and other stakeholders
The Deputy Chair should be available to provide general assistance to society officers, alongside more in-depth assistance and counsel on specific issues, where required In addition the Deputy Chair has specific responsibility for the guidance of newly-recognised or reactivated societies
The successful candidate will display a genuine passion and enthusiasm for society activity, a strong work ethic, and an innovative approach to problem solving
This is a one-year appointment, commencing 01 July 2024, or as agreed.
Key Responsibilities
Representation
● Membership of and attendance at meetings of the Student Activities Committee, Student Partnership Forum, Societies Council, Societies Council Recognition Committee, and Societies Council Executive Committee
● In their absence, deputising for the Council Chair at meetings of other committees and fora e g UMT Student Experience Group
● Building relationships and liaising with other units and stakeholder groups on both an ongoing and project-specific basis, including Student Services, UCD Global, Student Advisory, Estate Services, Student Recruitment, and Campus Sport & Leisure
● Representing student societies and their activities in campus-wide engagement efforts including UCD Open Day and Orientation Week
Support
● Answering queries from society officers through Societies Council email correspondence
● Providing office hours for society officers to discuss day-to-day issues and seek advice and assistance
● Availability for more in-depth assistance and counsel on specific problems as they emerge for particular societies
● Producing and updating written resources for society officers
● Providing ongoing guidance to newly-recognised or reactivated societies who require particular assistance, administrative or otherwise, during initial set-up
● Developing and enhancing the current training regime offered to society officers, including facilitating topic- or role-specific workshops
Administration
● With the Council Chair, co-managing the UCD Societies website, social media channels, and InfoHub membership database
● Undertaking policy review and revision to enhance the practices and processes of the Societies Council and its members
● Supporting and developing the delivery of Societies Council events including Freshers Week and Refreshers Day, in part through seeking stakeholder feedback pre- and post-event
● Developing medium- to long-term strategy for student societies, informed where appropriate by direct student engagement
● Identifying opportunities for improvement in all facets of society activities, including enhancing Council operations and working with other University units to better facilitate society activity across campus
● Identifying opportunities to increase both passive and active member engagement, and increase the reach and profile of UCD Societies
Person Specification
Required Skills
● Third level qualification or progression towards the same
● Experience in a student society environment
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
● Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
● Excellent time management with ability to prioritise
● Ability to work independent or as part of a team
● Experience of public speaking with an outgoing personality
● Discretion in handling confidential information
Desirable
● Knowledge of UCD processes, structures, and policies
● Experience on a student society committee or equivalent
● Experience in a leadership or team management role
● Knowledge of budget management and financial planning
Additional Notes on Eligibility
It is intended that the role of the Deputy 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 Deputy 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 Deputy Chairperson must uphold the constitution of the Societies Council.
Further Information
Working Hours
The position is contracted for 15 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 Societies Officer.
Pay Scale
The successful candidate will be paid €32,500 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 24 May 2024.
Interview Process
Candidates meeting the specified criteria may be short-listed prior to being invited for interview
Interviews will be scheduled for the start of June 2024. 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.