Sinead Cannon
Oranmore
Summary
Dedicated HR professional with extensive experience in administrative leadership, scholarship management, financial oversight, and policy implementation. Proven expertise in people management, process optimization, compliance with employment legislation, and stakeholder engagement. Adept at fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment that aligns with organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Scholarship and Administrator Officer
University of Galway
09.2020 - Current
- Oversee donor and philanthropic scholarships at the University of Galway
- Develop, grow, and manage a portfolio of supporters, including alumni, corporate partners, and individuals
- Collaborate with student recruitment, careers, donors, and key stakeholders to identify new scholarship opportunities
- Liaise with university schools and departments to coordinate scholarship processes and build strong academic relationships
- Manage scholarship payments, ensuring timely processing and adherence to guidelines
- Maintain relationships with scholarship recipients, donors, external companies, and stakeholders
- Develop and maintain scholarship content on the University website, including press releases and publications
- Represent the Engagement Directorate on scholarship panels, assessing applications with internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure all scholarship records are accurately maintained in the student records system (Quercus)
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations and record donor payments using SAGE and Raiser’s Edge
- Manage monthly donor payments, including direct debits and supplier payment processing
- Oversee purchase order generation and payment approvals, ensuring compliance with university policies
- Manage health and safety policies for the Engagement Unit
- Complete safety statements, risk assessments, and staff training records
- Develop an annual safety action plan for the unit
- Oversee and coordinate the publication of the Annual Donor Report, collaborating across university departments
Office Manager
Galway University Foundation
04.2015 - 08.2020
- Managed invoices, bank reconciliations, expenses, budgets, and financial processes
- Ensured effective administrative workflows within the office
- Created and documented HR policies and procedures
- Managed annual leave, sick leave and parental leave requests
- Organized training and promoted employee engagement and well-being
- Provided full administrative support to the CEO, Directors, and Board members
- Scheduled meetings, managed travel arrangements, and recorded minutes
- Managed donor and alumni databases, ensuring accurate records for fundraising initiatives
- Coordinated recruitment processes, from advertising to interview scheduling
- Planned and managed social and fundraising events
- Served as Lead Fire Warden and Health & Safety Officer
Office Administrator
Bio Medical Research
02.2008 - 02.2015
- Provided full administrative support to senior management and employees
- Managed travel arrangements, company vehicles, and supplier negotiations
- Organized corporate events and international conferences
- Handled recruitment processes, liaising with agencies and candidates
- Handled HR policies and procedures
- Led fundraising efforts and employee engagement initiatives
Clerical Officer
Galway Harbour Company
11.2007 - 01.2008
Front Office/Accounts Administrator
Hickey Homes
02.2005 - 06.2007
Accounts Administrator
Denis Brennan & Co
03.2003 - 02.2005
Senior Receptionist
Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre
05.2000 - 03.2003
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resource Management
Galway Institute of Technology
01.2020
Secretarial Studies -
Galway Technical Institute
01.2000
Leaving Certificate -
Calasanctius College
Oranmore01.1999
Skills
- HR and People Management
- Employee Relations & Compliance
- Payroll & Financial Administration
- Scholarship & Donor Management
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Project Coordination and Event Planning
- Team building and leadership
Accomplishments
- Basketball: Gold, Silver, and Bronze All-Ireland medals at Senior Level; multiple County medals.
- Camogie: Winner of two Connacht Finals and multiple County medals.
- Employee of the Month Award.
Interests And Voluntary Work
- Running
- Walking
- Reading
- Music
- Social events
- Sports
- Led fundraising for 'For Pete’s Sake Trust,' raising €100,000 for cancer treatment, organizing various charity events including gala balls, quizzes, and concerts.
Additional Skills And Certifications
- Advanced Digital Masterclass – Fundraising Ireland
- Occupational First Aid – First Aid Training Services
- Executive PA Course – Pitman Training Centre
- Fire Safety Training Course – Henderson Fire & Safety Ltd
- Microsoft Office (Advanced proficiency)
- Full Driving Licence
Timeline
Scholarship and Administrator Officer
University of Galway
09.2020 - Current
Office Manager
Galway University Foundation
04.2015 - 08.2020
Office Administrator
Bio Medical Research
02.2008 - 02.2015
Clerical Officer
Galway Harbour Company
11.2007 - 01.2008
Front Office/Accounts Administrator
Hickey Homes
02.2005 - 06.2007
Accounts Administrator
Denis Brennan & Co
03.2003 - 02.2005
Senior Receptionist
Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre
05.2000 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resource Management
Galway Institute of Technology
Secretarial Studies -
Galway Technical Institute
Leaving Certificate -
Calasanctius College
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