Head of School at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants should hold a relevant PhD with evidence of significant professional and/or scholarly achievements and a strong research profile. The successful appointee will be of high national and international standing, possess advanced leadership and managerial skills and demonstrate ability to co-ordinate the academic and professional vision of the constituent disciplines. Evidence of management at academic positions would be an advantage. South African citizens and permanent residents currently employed in academia must be in possession of a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating (https://www.nrf.ac.za/rating/). Professional registration, or eligibility for international applicants is recommended.
• The Head will be expected to provide academic vision and leadership to the School. S/he will be expected to develop and maintain the reputation of research and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relations with industry. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that academic and administrative systems and processes operate effectively, and the School meets its Faculty’s strategic goals by participating in University-wide decision-making processes. The successful candidate is also expected to provide leadership towards initiatives for fund-raising and providing support for special projects, research or development projects within the School.
• The standard contractual period of employment is 5 years, after which the candidate may seek another term or be integrated into an appropriate teaching and research position in the School. If the appointee is an existing member of the permanent staff, s/he will revert to her/his previous academic position.

DUTIES:

• To provide academic vision and leadership to the school.
• To develop and maintain the reputation of research and teaching excellence.
• To manage academic and support staff recruitment, evaluation, and professional growth, promoting diversity and inclusion.
• To develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions.
• To create an inclusive and supportive environment for students, promoting their academic success and well-being.
• To manage the school’s budget, allocating resources effectively to support teaching, research, administration and infrastructure needs.
• To raise external funding and support for special projects within the school.
• To represent the school within the university and at professional conferences.