Associate Professor: Director (Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture: Graduate School of Architecture) at University of Johannesburg

Job description

• The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg invites applications for the position of Head of School: Graduate School of Architecture (GSA) at the level of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor. This is a prestigious leadership role for an ambitious and highly accomplished academic or professional with a distinguished track record. 
• Reporting directly to the Executive Dean of the Faculty, the Head of School (HoS) will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading a world-class, transformative pedagogical model, based on the unit system, that is deeply embedded in the African context. The GSA is internationally recognized for its excellence in architectural education, particularly through its joint professional programme (BArch Hons/MArch), and is actively expanding its research profile through the MArch (Design, Theory & Practice) and the forthcoming practice-led DPhil, launching in 2026. 
• The School is rapidly strengthening its research and teaching expertise in design research, socially responsible design, making, landscape, urbanism, and critical theory. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in at least two of these areas, along with the vision and leadership to drive new specialisations that align with the School’s transformative ethos. 
• We seek a proven leader with a strong track record in teaching, research, and academic or professional leadership. The HoS will be responsible for the strategic, academic, and operational management of the GSA, overseeing budgetary and administrative functions while fostering an environment of intellectual and creative excellence. As a member of the Faculty’s executive team, the HoS will contribute to the broader academic and institutional strategy, ensuring the School’s continued impact on both local and global architectural discourse. 
• This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a progressive and internationally respected school of architecture, shaping the future of architectural education and research in Africa and beyond. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, vision and direction to the School’s faculty, staff and students;
• Contribute actively to research in your specialist field;
• Publish research, including the work of your students, using appropriate channels (peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations) as well as exhibitions, new forms of media and speaking engagements
• Administration and management (both day-to-day and financial) of the GSA;
• Participate in official meetings of the GSA and Faculty;
• Supervise postgraduate students within the appropriate programme offerings;
• Develop key national and international links and collaborative opportunities;
• Lead fundraising initiatives in the School and the Faculty;
• Actively contribute to the development and growth of the GSA.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD in Architecture or related discipline
• Registered or registrable with SACAP or other relevant professional body
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the Unit System method of teaching;
• An in-depth and current knowledge of architectural design and/or urban design;
• A demonstrable research interest and proven research ability (articles, exhibitions, books);
• A record of collegiality, collaboration and initiative;
• Proven operational management skills;
• Experience of teaching/reviewing at tertiary level;
• Experience of supervision of postgraduate students;
• An international profile with a demonstrable network and collaboration potential

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• The ability to publish in high-impact journals
• The ability to supervise post graduate students
• Management and leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal English communications skills
• Teaching skills and good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to collaborate with colleagues
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Staff and budget management skills
• Enthusiasm and passion for education, research and community engagement

Recommendations:

•  An NRF rating or equivalent is a recommendation at all levels of appointment

Deadline:10th August,2025