Information on Post of General Secretary
The ASTI is Ireland’s main second-level teachers’ union and represents 21,000 teachers in community schools, community colleges, comprehensive schools and voluntary secondary schools. The ASTI acts as a professional association voicing the concerns and interests of the teaching profession at second-level and as a registered trade union which protects teachers and fights for improvements in their pay and conditions of employment. The Office of the General Secretary is located in Thomas Mac Donagh House, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8.
ASTI Head Office has a staff of Officials supported by administrative personnel. The person appointed will lead the senior executive management team of General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary. The successful candidate undertakes a high-level role in contributing to the work of the ASTI in accordance with ASTI policy. Duties and responsibilities assigned are dynamic and may be altered from time to time.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the union prior to taking up appointment. ASTI is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people.
Requirements of the Post:
- A strong academic background (minimum of a third level degree)
- A strategic vision for policy development in education, teaching and trade unionism
- Comprehensive experience of negotiations and representation
- In-depth knowledge/experience of the education system and of the teaching profession
- Highly developed judgement, leadership and communication skills
- Commitment to trade union principles
- A track record of achieving strategic objectives
- Strong people management and motivational skills
- Research, analysis and policy development skills
- A commitment and ability to promote the teaching profession
- Experience of public communications at local/national print and broadcast media level
- Knowledge of Irish industrial relations structures
The post involves specific duties as set out in the ASTI Rules and Constitution and wider duties arising from internal ASTI developments and external developments in education and other social policy areas. Communicative competency in Irish would be useful. The post requires the ability to work autonomously as well as in daily collaboration with ASTI staff and members at all levels.
The General Secretary is responsible for managing ASTI personnel assigned to ensure successful delivery of objectives at individual and team level.
The ASTI Rules and Constitution can be found here.
The specific rules pertaining to the General Secretary are Rules 136 to 145.
Application Process:
If you believe you are suitably qualified for this senior post you should submit your application by email to [email protected] or send by post, marked for the attention of Saoirse Kennedy Kelly, to Byrne Wallace Shields, 88 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. Applications must be received by 5p.m. on 27th March, 2026
To apply, applicants should submit;
- A comprehensive CV which contains details of two suitable referees who should be able to provide relatively recent information on your performance in a work context.
- A short cover personal statement (i.e. no more than 1000 words) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and why you believe your personal qualities, qualifications, specialist knowledge, experience and values meet the requirements of the position.
Selection Process:
The selection process may include:
- shortlisting of candidates, on the basis of the information contained in their application;
- a competitive interview process, which may include a presentation. Interviews will normally take place in person.
The ASTI does not allow the unsanctioned use of any type of recording equipment. This applies to any form of sound recording and any type of still picture or video recording, whether including sound recording or not, and covers any type of device used for these purposes. This policy is in place to protect the privacy of those engaged in the competition process and the integrity of our assessment material and assessment processes. Any candidate involved in unsanctioned use of such recording equipment could be disqualified from the competition.
Remuneration:
A remuneration package commensurate with the senior nature of the position will apply. The applicable terms and conditions of employment will be contained in the contract of employment offered to the successful candidate. Any offer will be subject to receipt of suitable references. The current salary for the post is €176,367.
Close of Applications:
In order to be eligible for consideration applications must be received by 5p.m. on 27th March, 2026.
ASTI is committed to equality of opportunity for all candidates. If you have a disability or need reasonable accommodations during the selection process, we encourage you to share this with us. Reasonable accommodation refers to adjustments and practical changes which would enable a disabled candidate to have an equal opportunity to participate in this competition.
Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Excerpt from ASTI Rules and Constitution
GENERAL SECRETARY
136.
The General Secretary shall be appointed by the CEC. A written contract of employment shall be made between the ASTI and the General Secretary setting forth the conditions of the General Secretary’s employment and the duties which the General Secretary shall perform. The remuneration of the General Secretary shall be fixed by the CEC. The CEC and, when the CEC is not in session, Standing Committee shall have power to discipline the General Secretary, including the power to suspend, impose sanctions and dismiss. The procedures to be followed in relation to any such disciplinary action shall be as specified in any contract of employment with the General Secretary.
137.
The whole of the General Secretary’s time shall be devoted to the interests of the Association. The General Secretary shall be responsible for the conduct and organisation of the Head Office of the Association and shall have charge of the correspondence and general business of the CEC and of the Standing Committee.
138.
The General Secretary shall:
(a) report to the President of the Association in respect to all matters pertaining to the General Secretary’s employment as General Secretary and, in particular, to the performance of the General Secretary’s duties;
(b) attend all meetings of the Central Executive Council and of the Standing Committee and all Conventions of the Association; take minutes of the proceedings, read correspondence as requested, and answer such questions as may be put by or through the Chair;
(c) visit local branches from time to time and organise new branches whenever the opportunity may occur;
(d) keep a detailed record of all lay Secondary Teachers in Ireland;
(e) establish and maintain contacts with such kindred bodies or associations as the CEC may direct;
(f) undertake such other duties as may from time to time be determined by the CEC or when the CEC is not in session by the Standing Committee or when Standing Committee is not in session by the President, or which may be provided for by these rules;
(g) report and be answerable to the CEC and when it is not in session to Standing Committee in respect to all matters pertaining to the General Secretary’s employment as General Secretary and, in particular, to the performance of the General Secretary’s duties.
139.
The General Secretary shall send to each Trustee, to each Branch Honorary Secretary and to each School Steward a copy of the minutes of each meeting of the CEC. The General Secretary shall send to each member of the CEC, to each Trustee, to each Branch Honorary Secretary and to each School Steward a copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Standing Committee.
140.
The General Secretary shall issue a Bulletin at least once a year, which shall contain a report on Convention and also all Rules, which have been amended. This publication shall be deemed to be notification to members of the amendment of the Rule or Rules in question.
141.
The General Secretary shall issue a membership card to each member.
142.
The General Secretary shall send all notices of sub-committee meetings both to the President and to the Vice-President.
143.
The General Secretary of the Association shall not, while holding office, be a member of the CEC.
144.
The General Secretary of the Association shall forward to each Branch Honorary Treasurer in two instalments, the first to be paid on or before December 31st and the second on or before May 31st, the requisite sums out of subscriptions as are determined by Convention as due to each branch as per its quota.
145.
Notice of the intention to appeal against dismissal from a member’s school shall normally be given by the member concerned through the Branch Honorary Secretary to the General Secretary, but the member shall at the same time notify the General Secretary of intention to appeal. The member’s expenses in connection with the appeal shall be borne by the Association as follows, namely, second class travel to the place of hearing of the Appeal and personal expenses as in Rules 159 and 160.