Director, Grade 4 - FET College of the Future and Capital Development ref no:596
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.
This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €106,021 to €131,139 per 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, quoting reference number 596, should be e-mailed to recruitment@solas.ie. Please complete the application form as specified. CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date is 12pm, Thursday, 04 December 2025
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.