Head Of School – School Of Clinical Medicine at University of the Witwatersrand

• The Faculty of Health Sciences is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and visionary leader as Head of the School of Clinical Medicine (SOCM). The school plays a pivotal role in training undergraduate and postgraduate health sciences students and advancing research, teaching, and clinical excellence.
• As Head of School, the incumbent will guide the School into a new era of academic innovation, clinical impact, transformation, and research growth. This full-time leadership role requires a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of the academic–clinical interface, strong stakeholder relationships, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence. The Head of School will report directly to the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Brief Description        
RESPONSIBILITIES
STRATEGIC & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the School of Clinical Medicine
• Lead development and implementation of the school’s strategic plan aligned to Faculty and University priorities.
• Leadership experience including oversight of the teaching and training programmes of undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Oversee teaching and research across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Ensure academic programmes meet national and international regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Promote innovation in teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum review.

ADMINISTRATION, HUMAN RESOURCES, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Manage the School’s human resources, budget, and physical infrastructure.
• Ensure optimal allocation and utilisation of resources.
• Oversee performance management of Academic Heads of Department including appraisals.
• Promote staff development, mentoring, and career progression.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP & INNOVATION

• Promote research productivity, collaboration, and publication output.
• Advocate for research funding and resources.
• Strengthen postgraduate supervision capacity and research training.

STUDENTS’ SUCCESS & WELL¿BEING

• Promote a supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
• Oversee processes related to student welfare, performance concerns, appeals, and academic progression.

 GOVERNANCE, QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

• Ensure academic programmes comply with the HPCSA and University regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee quality assurance in teaching, assessment, and clinical training.
• Provide regular performance reports to Deanery and University governance structures.

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders including the Gauteng Department of Health, academic hospitals, affiliated training platforms, and international collaborators.
• Strengthen clinical–academic alignment across service and training platforms.

TRANSFORMATION, EQUITY & DIVERSITY

• Lead transformation initiatives that promote equity, representativity, and inclusion.
• Foster a culture of collegiality, teamwork, respect, professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Registered as a Specialist or Sub¿specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Specialist qualification in a medical clinical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior¿level university and clinical leadership experience including oversight of teaching, training, and postgraduate programmes.
• Strong research record demonstrated through publications and scholarly engagement.
• Currently appointed at the academic level of Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, or Professor. (as pert the Faculty staffing and promotions Criteria - Staffing & Promotions criteria.pdf)
• Demonstrated academic leadership, strategic insight, and administrative competence.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills.

 ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE

• A PhD or equivalent research experience (e.g., substantial publications, grants, or recognised research leadership).
• Experience supervising postgraduate students.
• Experience in health systems leadership, clinical governance, patient safety, or quality improvement.
• Proven experience engaging with regulatory bodies such as the HPCSA and health entities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex multidisciplinary teams.