Director - FET College of the Future and Capital Development

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others. SOLAS is recruiting a Director who will be a member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director for System Transformation. The successful candidate will play a major role in the continued establishment, ongoing management and development of the FET College of the Future Programme Office, delivering on strategic objectives for capital development, organisational reform, and sectoral transformation. The Director will ensure the effective deployment of resources, robust governance, and the achievement of key targets as set out in the FET College of the Future implementation plan. The role requires an innovative leader with extensive senior management experience in a complex, multi-functional organisation, capable of driving change, building capacity, and fostering collaboration across the FET sector. The Director will possess the technical and personal competencies required to deliver transformational change and continuous improvement within an organisational context. Key Tasks/Responsibilities: Lead, direct, and oversee the FET College of the Future programme, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation, and delivery of capital projects and strategic upgrades. Develop and monitor delivery against the overall FCoTF strategy implementation plan, producing regular progress reports and updates for senior leadership and governance bodies. Continue to progress and drive reform in the ETB system, through both leading and supporting senior leadership in essential reform to the current FET funding model. Build and manage effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ETBs, DFHERIS, external advisors, and other relevant bodies; represent SOLAS at key meetings and forums. Prepare and present reports, recommendations, board papers, and presentations for senior leadership and governance bodies; communicate programme progress, risks, and outcomes clearly and effectively. Support ETBs in developing capabilities and driving change in capital, staffing, structure, and provision reform; work in partnership with the network of change managers and the FET Strategy Implementation team. Lead the development and implementation of sectoral climate action plans, ensuring alignment with government commitments and best practice in sustainability. Promote a culture of continuous development, innovation, and improvement across all aspects of the programme and team. Undertake other responsibilities as required, consistent with the strategic objectives of SOLAS and the FET sector. Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time. Requirements: Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience: Demonstrated senior management experience in a complex organisation, with a strong track record in programme, project, or financial leadership. Deep understanding of financial management, budgeting, audit, and compliance in a public sector or large organisational context. Experience in strategic planning, governance, and risk management. Proven ability to analyse and improve business processes, including the use of technical solutions and IT systems. Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to motivate and engage teams and stakeholders. Ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally, and to work collaboratively at executive level. Experience in capacity building, change management, and supporting organisational transformation. Knowledge of sectoral strategies, public procurement, and relevant codes and frameworks. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, with strong IT literacy. A record of academic achievement that will include a relevant primary degree, or equivalent, at a minimum This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €106,021to €131,139per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number596by 12pm, Thursday, 04 December 2025. Please complete the application form as specified. SOLAS will not accept CVs. A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives TravelPass Scheme