Head of Department – Sport Science & Performance

About the role

The Head of Department – Sport Science & Performance will provide academic and strategic leadership for the Sport Science & Performance department at ATU’s Letterkenny campus. Reporting to senior university leadership, the role is responsible for shaping the department’s vision, ensuring high‑quality teaching, research and industry engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement departmental plans aligned with the university’s vision.
• Oversee programme design, delivery and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high‑quality teaching, assessment and curriculum innovation.
• Manage staff workloads, mentor team members and foster an inclusive, student‑centred environment.
• Build and maintain industry and community partnerships.
• Support research, knowledge‑exchange activities and scholarly output.
• Contribute to marketing, student recruitment and promotion of the department.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources and health‑and‑safety compliance.
• Represent the department on university committees and working groups.

Required profile

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, departmental leadership and academic or organisational management.
• Expertise in sport science, performance or sports management with coaching or performance‑development experience.
• Understanding of marketing and student recruitment.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification (Master’s required; PhD highly desirable).
• Experience in curriculum development, teaching and assessment at higher‑education level.
• Track record in research, scholarly activity or applied practice in sport science.
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Familiarity with quality‑assurance processes, accreditation standards and health‑and‑safety requirements in sport environments.

Required skills

• Expertise in sport science and performance.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and assessment methodologies.
• Research methodology and scholarly communication.
• Understanding of accreditation and quality‑assurance standards.
• Budget and resource management capabilities.