Head of Department: Heritage and Knowledge at Freedom Park

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: HERITAGE AND KNOWLEDGE (HOD)

• The HOD: Heritage and Knowledge is responsible for providing strategic leadership, intellectual direction and management of Freedom Park’s heritage, research and knowledge programmes, ensuring the advancement of its National Heritage mandate, preservation of historical narratives, and promotion of inclusive memory and identity.
• The role works closely with and reports to the Chief Executive Officer to strengthen programme impact, enhance knowledge production, and deepen stakeholder engagement. The HOD will be expected to lead the Heritage and Knowledge function through a phase of content development, research excellence and strategic alignment with national priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9), preferably in the Social/Human Sciences or relate field.
• Eight years’ senior management experience, preferably within the heritage, cultural research, knowledge management or broader public sector environment.
• Demonstrated capability in strategic leadership, programme oversight, project management, organisational performance and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing complex programmes or functions with public accountability and delivering results in dynamic and evolving contexts.
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking ability, with the capacity to guide multidisciplinary teams, optimise resources and foster a high-performance and innovative culture.