Faculty Operations Manager Science at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

• To manage and operationalize the academic projects in the Faculty of Science in support of the Executive Dean, Faculty Executive, broader Faculty structures, staff & students, and the wider University administration; to develop strategic plans and provide strategic advice and support - ensuring that University and statutory requirements are followed in all aspects of academic and student administration, and that Faculty activities have an underlying consideration of the Faculty’s core ideology. 
• To plan, direct and coordinate the operations of the faculty to ensure improving the performance, productivity, and efficiency of Faculty.  Providing effective methods and strategies to assist the Executive Dean and the Faculty Management Team by:
  • Advising and supporting the Executive Dean in the development, implementation, and evaluation of faculty strategy
  • Developing and streamlining of policies and procedures
  • Managing strategic projects
  • Assisting with the administration of faculty initiatives and activities
  • Overseeing and supporting the efficient running of different Faculty portfolios and structures

Note: The Faculty Operations Manager reports to the Dean

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Management of strategic academic projects
• Advice and liaison, strategy support, policy, and execution
• Planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Operational management of academic programmes, projects, and initiatives
• Governance and committee administration
• Staff management, development, and wellbeing
• Faculty office and resource management

CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge

• Understanding of national and institutional policies and procedures
• Understanding of the students and staff systems and processes
• Excellent faculty and institutional knowledge
• Understanding of academic structures and academic coordination.
• Understanding and knowledge of DHET/CHE policy framework.
• Understanding of the sciences and scientific thinking
• Understanding of the Science Faculty Strategy 2030 and Mandela University Vision 2030

Competencies

• Excellent management and organizational skills, facilitating change, leadership, and people management
• Building interpersonal relationships, building partnerships. Ability to deal sensitively and tactfully with a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside of the University
• People-centered support service
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, formal presentation skills, including minute-taking and report writing skills
• Excellent decision-making, judgement, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong ability to trouble-shoot and pre-empt problems. Initiating action/ Initiative, creativity & innovation, individual leadership 
• Strong work ethics and the ability to motivate and lead staff to adhere to same. Adaptability/ flexibility
• Computer Literacy (Ms Word, Ms Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Zoom, Teams, …)
• Resource management
• Meticulous attention to detail and a highly developed sense of responsibility.

 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An MSc degree in science field.
• At least 5-7 years’ relevant science academic working experience inclusive of at least 3-5 years’ experience in academic administration at management level in Higher Education Institution in which competence has been gained
• Project management experience would be an added advantage