Chief Executive Officer

About Kilkenny College

Kilkenny College is a Church of Ireland school dedicated to delivering a broad, high-quality education. The institution is rooted in Christian, cultural, and sporting traditions, and it promotes a warm, community-minded atmosphere in which students and staff are encouraged to contribute positively to school life and to the welfare of others. Every person in the college community is treated as important and is supported in both personal development and academic progress. Pupils are expected to demonstrate honesty, dependability, punctuality, and respect, with standards of conduct comparable to those upheld at home.

Role Overview

The Chief Executive Officer will take responsibility for the overall strategic and operational direction of Kilkenny College, making sure the school’s mission, values, and long-term goals are delivered effectively. This is a full-time, on-site position in Kilkenny. The successful candidate will lead senior leaders, oversee financial and operational performance, and ensure resources are used to support excellent teaching, student wellbeing, and co-curricular life.

Working alongside the Board and other key stakeholders, the CEO will shape and implement strategic plans, oversee risk management, and ensure the College meets all governance and regulatory expectations. The role also includes managing academic and administrative leadership, reviewing budgets and financial performance, improving campus operations, and helping maintain a collaborative, inclusive, and safe environment. In addition, the CEO will represent the College externally, build stronger links with the community and church, and enhance the institution’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the College’s strategy, operations, and institutional direction.
• Work with the Board and stakeholders to design, deliver, and monitor strategic plans.
• Guide senior staff and support effective academic and administrative leadership.
• Oversee budgets, financial planning, and wider financial health.
• Manage campus operations to ensure efficiency and high standards across the school.
• Support student wellbeing, teaching quality, and co-curricular provision.
• Identify and manage risk while maintaining strong governance and compliance practices.
• Represent the College externally and strengthen relationships with community and church partners.
• Promote the College’s profile and reputation across local, national, and international audiences.
• Help sustain a respectful, inclusive, and values-led school culture.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong understanding of finance, including budget oversight and financial management.
• Proven background in operations leadership, ideally in complex organizations or campus environments.
• Ability to develop and execute business plans and long-term strategic plans.
• Experience in marketing, sales, or stakeholder engagement to support outreach and relationship building.
• Substantial senior leadership experience, preferably within education, non-profit, or mission-driven settings.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
• Demonstrated capability in leading change, managing risk, and maintaining governance and compliance standards.
• A relevant third-level qualification in education, business, management, or a related discipline; higher qualifications are beneficial.
• Commitment to the values, ethos, and wider community of Kilkenny College.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

The position is with Kilkenny College, a values-driven educational community that places strong emphasis on service, respect, and shared responsibility.