Deputy Dean: Research, Innovation, Community Engagement & Postgraduate Studies (N002604) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• As a senior representative of the Faculty of Health Sciences, manage the operational delivery to achieve the unitary Faculty strategy and plan. In addition, provide functional and academic leadership across campuses in respect of Research, Innovation, Community Engagement and Postgraduate Studies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Development

• Co- determine faculty strategy and joint accountability for the implementation thereof.
• Jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the NWU Research and Innovation strategy and the NWU.
• Teaching and Learning strategy.
• Jointly accountable for successful implementation of the overall NWU strategy.
• Translate the Faculty strategy into site implementation plans and operationalise

Operational Management

• Lead and direct day-to-day operational planning, performance and quality ensuring alignment with the faculty plan.
• Participate in planning with Research Entities and Schools and the annual faculty calendar.
• Oversee and manage utilisation of resources and finances as allocated by the Executive Dean.
• Deputise for the Executive Dean.
• Accountable across campuses as Chairperson of relevant faculty board committee(s).

Research and Innovation

• Maintain a research environment and support infrastructure enabling world-class research.
• Implement inter-and trans-disciplinary research that differentiates the NWU nationally and internationally.
• Participate in national and international collaboration addressing NWU niche research areas.
• Continuous improvement of research outputs (quality and number) to positively impact national and international standing.
• Promote the faculty through market trends and needs identification
• Implementation and management of innovative post graduate programs which address the national and international needs.
• Clustering research and innovation appropriately around agreed research themes focusing on national and international imperatives.
• Coordinate fundamental research, applied research, research in application, curiosity- driven research, blue skies research and directed research
• Facilitate differentiation and third- and fifth stream revenue generation through innovation and commercialization.

Community Engagement

• Drive community engagement initiatives that are integrated with research & innovation as well as teaching & learning.
• Socially responsive local community projects, supportive of faculty objectives and departmental programme content.

Student Relations

• Liaise with students and parents, build relationships and resolve escalations.
• Increase students’ identification and association with the faculty and its operation across campuses.

External Relationships

• Secure funding, professional recognition, academic development, employment, through effective local and international relationships with peers, higher education institutions, research community, industry, professional bodies and community.
• In consultation with the Executive Dean, position and promote the faculty and ultimately the NWU Brand, through effective marketing and communication, relationships with local government, the community, industry, students, parents and alumni and other stakeholders.
• Promote and drive internationalisation and commercialisation.

Management and Leadership

• Faculty effectiveness and efficiency inclusive of infrastructure and facilities.
• Research entities, schools, programme effectiveness - joint accountability.
• Joint accountability with leadership team for management effectiveness of the institution.
• Stakeholder relationship development and effectiveness.
• Corporate governance conformance, reporting and risk management.
• Accountability for the management of research ethics and integrity in all activities of the research, innovation and postgraduate environment.
• Cost management and cost- effectiveness.
• Faculty processes and systems implementation, utilisation, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Digitalisation and automation of faculty processes in the R&I environment to streamline processes and speed up decision making.
• Mentorship and career development of staff members.
• Personal effectiveness, wholeness and development.
• Values-based behaviour leadership and personal compliance.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD in a relevant discipline offered in the faculty of Health Sciences (NQF level 10).
• Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks/societies.
• Professional registration where applicable.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ senior/middle academic management experience.
• Significant experience in higher education including experience in community engagement.
• Must be an NRF-rated researcher.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system.
• Well- developed information and communication technology proficiency.
• Acceptable management accountancy proficiency.
• Acceptable contract development and management proficiency.
• Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields.
• Aptitude in managing the research- innovation value chain.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Professional work ethic.
• Autonomous, accurate and assertive.
• Responsible, accountable, fair, transparent.
• Good communication (verbally and written) skills; setting up business meetings and appointments.
• Is decisive, able to reach timely decisions and initiate action appropriately.
• Follows through on commitments, obligations for services.
• Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately.
• Is entrepreneurial.
• Represents FHS and NWU in a positive and professional manner.
• Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions.

Apply by: 30 November 2025