Dean, Faculty of Education (Five-year fixed term performance based contract), REF: FED2026/07/FE01

Introduction

The Dean will take a leadership role in charting the Faculty's future strategic direction in the context of the University’s vision and mission. The Dean reports to both the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation and is responsible for providing strategic leadership to advance teaching and learning, research and innovation, community engagement and institutional transformation.

The Dean is expected to: enhance the quality of existing academic programmes through innovative educational leadership; demonstrate the value of a culturally diverse faculty; foster a work environment conducive to cultural and linguistic diversity and mutual development; develop and manage budgets; seek alternative sources of funding and effective partnerships with businesses, educational and governmental institutions or community organisations; be involved and participate in a variety of university institutional committees, including the Management Committee and Senate.

Functions and Responsibilities

More specifically, the Dean will be required to

• Determine, articulate, implement and lead faculty-based strategic initiatives in accordance with the University’s strategic goals and objectives.

• To enhance the faculty’s operational viability and performance levels.

• Promote excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development and student access.

• Drive research productivity, innovation, post graduate education and knowledge generation

• Oversee staff recruitment, management and development.

• Oversee student development and support (including student experience).

• Ensure high-quality Faculty governance, administration and systems, including academic lifecycle management of the student.

• Oversee an effective and competitive programme qualification mix.

• Ensure effective and efficient management of the finances and resources of the Faculty.

• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and academic partners.

• Employ effective risk management to manage Faculty-wide risks.

• Oversee implementation of the quality enhancement and assurance plans at Faculty level.

Duties & Responsibilities

Requirements

• A Doctoral Degree in Education and status of a Full Professor in one of the disciplines offered in the Faculty.

• In-depth understanding of Higher Education Policies, as well as a grasp of the key issues facing the Higher Education Sector.

• The ability to foster and extend national and international linkages and alliances is crucial.

Experience

• Six (6) to eight (8) years’ experience of working in the higher education environment, including at least five (5) years of increasingly complex responsibility in a successful leadership and management position at faculty or institutional level.

• A strong track record of professional accomplishment in his/her academic discipline and will have shown evidence of outstanding management and leadership abilities.

Closing date of applications: 24 September 2026

Package & Remuneration

Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Group Life, Housing Allowance, Study Benefits, etc