Dean Of Faculty: Education (Five- Year Fixed Term Contract) at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The purpose of the position is to take responsibility for the academic leadership and management of the Faculty through the provision of high-quality technically advanced and cost-effective educational service in alignment with the strategic objectives of the University. The incumbent will report to the DVC: Teaching & Learning and serves on various committees including the Senate and Faculty Board.

Minimum Requirements

• A Doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in any discipline of Education. 
• An outstanding academic with an established track record 
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience(research/lecturing) in the tertiary education sector, of which five (5) years at the level of Head of an academic Department /School or the level of Deputy Dean 
• An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record at a level that attracts respect and credibility from within the University, national and international scholars, and other relevant external bodies 
• Has a demonstrated track record managing and running an academic department 
• Has a successful record of leadership and teamwork 
• Has the ability to mobilize and inspire others toward shared goals 
• Understands the operations and affairs of a University environment 
• Understands institutional cultural transformation and organizational alignment 
• Think strategically and operationalise this into plans and projects 
• Plan and manage budgets. 

Recommendations

Teaching and Learning: 

• Understands developments in the higher education arena locally in South Africa, and further afield. 

Research: 

• Knowledge of the research funding networks and opportunities in SA and abroad. 

Community Engagement 

• Experience in the integration of community engagement in the teaching and learning, research, and service delivery activities of an academic department. 

The successful applicant will be an outstanding academic with an established track record in the discipline of Education and will have a proven ability in the following key performance areas:

• Strategy Development and Execution
• Resource and Operations Management
• Policy and Procedure development
• Teaching, Learning, and Programme Development
• Research
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management
• Safety, health, and environmental management
• Resource Management: Human Resources; Budget and Finance
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

The Dean will be part of the University’s Senior Management Team with a good understanding and knowledge of:

• The Faculty and how it relates to the University
• Current requirements of working at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa
• Developments in the higher education sector, locally and abroad
• Education, training, and development systems and strategies in a tertiary context, including quality assurance systems
• Market developments relating to graduate demand
• Research promotion and demands, and manage postgraduate affairs of the faculty
• Research funding networks and opportunities in SA and abroad
• Professional developments and bodies relevant to the faculty
• Integration of community engagement in teaching and learning, research, and service delivery activities of an academic department

SPU Strategic Plan

• The appointment is for a fixed period of five (5) years. After that term, the Dean may apply for a second (2) term of office. If not renewable, the incumbent may be offered an academic position elsewhere in the Faculty of Education based on his/her expertise and academic ranking. The candidate must possess a relevant PhD qualification and meet the University’s criteria for professional appointment.