Education 7 Professional Development Manager

Job description

Education & Professional Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location: Dublin 4

About the Organisation

Our client is a national statutory body responsible for regulating and managing the practice of a key healthcare profession in Ireland. Established under legislation, the organisation’s primary function is to uphold high standards in professional education, practice, and public protection.

It oversees the registration of practitioners, accreditation of educational programmes, maintenance of professional standards, and implementation of disciplinary measures where required. The Chief Executive leads a dedicated executive team committed to ensuring best practice, transparency, and continual improvement across all operations.

Purpose of the Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dedicated leader to join the organisation’s executive team as Education & Professional Development Manager for a maternity leave cover period.

Reporting to the Registrar/CEO, the successful candidate will lead on education standards, continuing education, and education policy development. They will ensure ongoing compliance with national and European requirements, oversee accreditation processes for professional education programmes, and contribute strategically to the organisation’s broader objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership in Education

• Provide strategic leadership as part of the Executive Management Team, promoting an inclusive and customer-focused culture.
• Oversee education-related committees and ensure effective completion of related work.
• Develop, implement, and update policies, procedures, and standards for education and accreditation.
• Prepare management reports, risk assessments, and budgets for areas of responsibility.
• Represent the organisation at national and international meetings and engage with key stakeholders including higher education institutions, government agencies, and professional bodies.
• Manage the registration eligibility examination process and assess qualifications for registration applicants.
• Lead staff within the education and training division to ensure high performance and engagement.

Monitoring National Accreditation Standards

• Oversee accreditation and re-accreditation of educational programmes in Ireland.
• Maintain and review accreditation procedures and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with national and European education standards and directives.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Develop and implement policies and systems for monitoring professional competence.
• Manage the approval and auditing of continuing education courses and providers.
• Conduct annual audits of compliance with professional development requirements and report on outcomes.
• Lead research and policy development in professional education and development.

Compliance and Best Practice

• Monitor and implement best practice from other national and international regulators.
• Ensure compliance with relevant EU and national directives.
• Provide expert advice on education and training policy and legislative implications.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of three years’ management experience in one or more of the following:
• Higher education or academic administration
• Policy or standards development in a regulated environment
• Senior leadership in professional education or development
• Relevant Level 8 or higher third-level qualification.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, policy implementation, and process improvement.
• Strong ability to interpret legislation, rules, and policy.
• Excellent presentation, report-writing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in achieving organisational objectives and managing KPIs in a complex environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience introducing new technologies or improving systems and processes.
• Background in education accreditation, regulation, or quality assurance.
• Proven ability to manage staff and resources effectively.
• Experience collaborating with government departments, regulators, and higher education institutions.

Salary:

€50,000 – €60,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)