Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19) at Rhodes University

Main Objectives

• The role of the Director of Community Engagement is to provide visionary and strategic leadership for the University's community engagement mission and to position community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning, and research, while promoting social justice, sustainable development, and societal impact.
• The Director champions a university-wide culture of community engagement by developing institutional strategies to promote reciprocal, ethical, mutually beneficial and knowledge-driven partnerships with diverse communities.
• The Director maintains an active programme of research in the scholarship of community engagement, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, supervises postgraduate students, contributes to teaching in relevant academic programmes, and provides intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice.

The Job Requirements

A Master's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or a closely related field.  A doctoral (PhD) would be an advantage.  In addition, the candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, where such experience includes: -

• Leading and formulating the strategic direction and advancement of community engagement/community development.
• At least 4 years of leadership and management experience at a senior level.
• Proven ability to implement community engagement strategy through community-university partnerships that drive equitable and inclusive development whilst also contributing to the holistic development of students.
• Fundraising experience, including the ability to write fundraising proposals and manage donors.
• An ability to teach/facilitate, write academically and a publication record.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of community development.
• Financial management, understanding and working with budgets.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector is an advantage.

Closing Date 28 October 2026