Aurora Women in Leadership Programme 2023/24 Applications Open

Overview

Aurora is a leadership ignition journey, inspiring women to aspire and achieve leadership positions within higher education. The objective of the programme is to embed a leadership mindset whereby women identify as leaders and seek appropriate opportunities to develop capabilities, skills, and networks to support them in their advancing careers.

The programme involves attending a series of online Advance HE workshops, in-person TCD reflection sessions, and regular mentor meetings from October 2023 until April 2024.

More details on the programme can be found below and on the Advance HE’s Aurora Programme website.

Programme Dates

Target Participants

The programme is targeted at women in the academic, research, professional, technical and administrative grades, up to associate professor level or administrative equivalent, who would like to develop and explore issues relating to leadership roles and responsibilities.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a key component of the Aurora programme. Participants are matched with a mentor for the duration of the programme. Staff who are committed to supporting this programme can get involved by becoming mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, contact us at aurora.leadership@tcd.ie please.

A mentor will typically be more senior than the mentee and has an understanding of internal structures and organisational culture. A mentor should also have sufficient time available to work with the mentee, have strong listening skills and be able to ask good, open questions to help the participants develop their problem-solving skills and develop further. Training will be made available to mentors.

Number of Places & Costs

For 2023-24, we will have 20 places. 10 of these places will be fully funded (funded by HR and EDI) and 10 of these places will be co-funded at local area level (HR and EDI 50%; local area 50%). Full funding of places is also possible at local level.

Priority will be given to applicants in Schools and Units that are progressing Athena Swan (re)applications and related Action Plans and to creating a balance of participants across the whole College Community.

Connection to Athena Swan Equality Charter

Athena SWAN is Advance HE’s gender equality charter, underpinned by a set of principles aiming to improve representation, progression, and culture within higher education and research institutions. The charter principles highlight several equality issues in higher education, and the Aurora programme is a useful initiative to support the aims of Athena Swan.  

How to Apply

The online application process will open in July 2023. If interested, please complete the online Aurora 2023-24 Application Form here. An email/letter of support from your Head of School or Head of Area/Unit will be required to be uploaded alongside your application form. 

A draft of the form is available for viewing here. Please note the application process must be completed in one go in the application form above.

Applications should be submitted no later than close of business on Monday 4th September 2023.  
Please email Aurora Programme Coordinator at aurora.leadership@tcd.ie if you have queries on the Aurora Programme in Trinity