One of the leading socio-economic research institutes in Europe was seeking a new Director and Head for the largest of its three Departments. The brief called for an academic and research leader with an outstanding international reputation for research, together with the leadership skills and experience to provide visionary leadership and direction to a large, successful, and multi-disciplinary team of researchers.
Alongside conducting world-class research, the Institute engages and influences policy makers nationally and internationally (particularly at EU level) in key domains, and candidates would therefore need to demonstrate an ability (and ideally a track record) of engagement with policy makers and other key external stakeholders. In addition, the ideal candidate would need to demonstrate a strong track record of securing competitive research funding from a variety of sources.
McLean conducted an international search which yielded a strong, diverse, and competitive field of candidates. Eight candidates were shortlisted and invited to first round (virtual) interviews, following which four candidates were invited to final interviews at the Institute. In advance of final interviews, the four selected candidates completed psychometric assessments, and these were used to guide and inform areas to probe at final interview. Two candidates were deemed appointable at interview. The appointed candidate, formally approved by the Institute Board, demonstrates considerable leadership skills and experience having served as Head of Department for one of the leading Universities in Ireland.
