Director: Unit for Continuing Education (N001572) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Unit for Continuing Education (UCE) at North-West University (NWU) is a dynamic and essential part of our academic structure, dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development. Our mission is to extend the university’s academic resources to a global audience through a variety of part-time courses, online learning opportunities, professional training, and community education initiatives.

We understand that learning is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to providing individuals and organisations with opportunities to explore new fields, enhance their skills, and transform their careers. By facilitating a diverse and adaptable range of educational offerings, we aim to be an essential partner in the personal and professional development of our students.

In the UCE, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. We are proud to offer flexible, accessible, and high-quality continuing education opportunities that cater to diverse learning needs and styles. Whether you're a young professional seeking to upskill, a seasoned executive aiming to stay on top of industry trends, or a lifelong learner with a broad intellectual curiosity, the UCE is your gateway to growth and advancement.

The NWU is looking for a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the UCE. The Director of the UCE is an integral leadership role at NWU, responsible for spearheading the development and execution of the UCE's strategic vision and operational plans. As the primary steward of our continuing education offerings, the Director ensures that our programs align with the university's overall objectives, market trends, and the needs of our diverse learners.

The Director will take a hands-on role in overseeing the UCE's operations, including course development, business development, stakeholder relations, and financial management. They will liaise with different departments and faculties within the university to ensure seamless coordination and collaboration for course design, marketing, and logistical support.

Equipped with sound business and marketing acumen, the Director will drive initiatives to increase constituent engagement, enhance the UCE's brand visibility and position our programs for success. They will be instrumental in fostering relationships with key stakeholders in industry and government, shaping our offerings based on market needs, and expanding our influence in the higher education landscape.

Additionally, the Director will manage the UCE's finances and human resources, ensuring the optimal utilisation of resources, maximising profitability, and fostering a vibrant and high-performing team culture.

In this role, the Director will embody and promote the UCE's commitment to lifelong learning, quality education, and community engagement. With their strategic leadership and passion for education, they will inspire the UCE team and our learners alike, driving the continued growth and relevance of our unit.

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Determination & Alignment

• Collaborate with the university executive to determine the UCE strategy, ensuring its implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Support academic leadership in aligning the CE portfolio with NWU strategy, market trends, and managing growth and relevance.

Business Development

• Develop and implement a business development plan for UCE targeted at portfolio level, specific groups, course level, and event level.
• Oversee initiatives to position the unit and brand for successful model delivery.

Operations Management

• Ensure effective logistical support from course planning, scheduling, venues, and teaching material.
• Handle day-to-day operations including office administration, HR, and finance matters.

Course Development

• Oversee logistical support to faculties and short course owners for budgeting, pricing, events, marketing, venues, teaching material, certifications.
• Adopt best-in-class information and communication technology to support the core business.

Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain sound relationships with key stakeholders in industry and government such as SETAs and professional bodies.
• Develop and implement systems, processes, and procedures to execute the UCE marketing and branding policy.

Financial Management

• Manage the unit’s finances and ensure proper utilisation of UCE’s finances.
• Maximise profitability according to agreed targets.

Management and Leadership

• Determine optimal team composition and efficiency for resource utilisation and system design.
• Implement and comply with corporate governance, reporting, risk management, and unit policies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Business Development, Marketing or an equivalent qualification on NQF level 9 in a related area of specialisation. (In addition to the Master’s degree candidates should be in possession of an undergraduate and postgraduate degree specialising in Education/ Management/Business Administration/Educational Leadership or relevant field)
• A minimum of 7 years’ overall relevant specialist experience of which 4 years should be on an operational level of involvement and 3 years at management level.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• Leadership or Continued Education Certification.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to navigate the business and marketing landscapes, drive growth and visibility for the UCE.
• Solid understanding and hands-on experience dealing with the unique challenges of the university environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing both finances and a diverse team.
• Seasoned professional in the Continuing Education sphere, with a proven track record of success.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent at interpersonal connections, showing empathy, understanding various perspectives, providing helpful feedback, and handling conflicts with grace.
• Efficiency in decision making, taking responsibility for actions, superior communication skills, impeccable time management, and a knack for adaptability and decisive action.
• Exhibits strong managerial competence, with an ability to prioritize, plan, allocate resources, motivate staff to achieve goals, and foster a collaborative work environment.