Head:Sterkfontein Caves at University of the Witwatersrand

Job Description:

The main responsibilities include the following:

Academic leadership of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves

• Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with the SAHRA permit holder(s), including fundraising for research projects, and post-graduate bursaries and projects.
• Coordinate Calls for Proposals for use of the Sterkfontein Caves as a research hub in the Cradle of Humankind
• Foster new postgraduate training opportunities
• Promote utilisation of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves for undergraduate courses
• Develop cross-disciplinary collaborations both internal and external to Wits, including international partners
• Apply innovative cross-disciplinary palaeoscience approaches for the analysis of the diverse Sterkfontein Caves fossil assemblages.

Operational management of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves

• Oversee the management and operations in line with University policies
• Closely work with the Operations Manager and Education and Exhibition Manager to provide management
• and leadership guidance to staff at the Wits Sterkfontein Caves, including performance management
• Take responsibility for Financial Management, including the administration of finances for all activities i.e., research, innovation, postgraduate training, undergraduate teaching, community outreach, and commercial activities
• Develop entrepreneurial programmes that contribute to the sustainability of the enterprise. Ensure the necessary marketing of the facility, and develop stakeholder communication and engagement strategies that promote growth and build key partnerships

Leadership of education and science communication

• Oversee the management and development of science communication content on site, including tour guide training, temporary exhibit development and permanent exhibit upgrades.
• Facilitate new and exciting education outreach programmes, working with partners across the education, museum, heritage and tourism sectors
• Communicate effectively with school learners and educators, students, public and the media
• Oversee and develop new research, science communication and education fundraising initiatives

Qualifications, Experience and Remuneration:

• A PhD or equivalent qualification with a background in palaeoanthropology or closely related field.
• The successful candidate will be a people-centered leader, with demonstrable experience in staff management and will be able to nurture strategic relationships and partnerships.
• They will have: a track record of producing high-impact multi-disciplinary research; experience working within and leading research teams; post-graduate supervision experience; and demonstrated fundraising success.
• They will be required to produce original scientific research in their disciplinary area and have experience in science communication.