Senior Manager: Programmes (CriSHET) at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

• This position aims to contribute to strategic, intellectual, programmatic, and technical leadership and coordination to strengthen the core missions of the Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation (CriSHET) - https://crishet.mandela.ac.za/

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Projects & Programmes

•  Lead and coordinate strategic projects and/or programmes that support the transformation of higher education at an institutional and sector level; and
•  Facilitate engagement with key internal and external stakeholders to fast-track transformation at Nelson Mandela University.

Research & Scholarship

•  Contribute to knowledge production through the publication of scholarly outputs in reputable journals and peer-reviewed books, and presentations at local, national and international conferences;
•  Supervise Master’s students and Doctoral candidates;
•  Facilitate spaces of development and growth for postgraduates and emerging scholars in the areas of higher education studies;
•  Facilitate the appointment of postdoctoral fellows to grow the Chair’s and University’s research footprint; and
•  Oversee the research management functions of the Chair.

Human Resources

•  Coordinate and facilitate the recruitment and appointment of administration support, research assistants, fieldworkers, and student assistants to support the work of the Chair;
•  Manage the performance of contract staff and mediate conflict; and
•  Facilitate an uplifting and relational work culture with a positive, vibrant, yet ‘critical’ atmosphere that promotes a strong work ethic, accountability, creativity, and adaptability.

Resource Management & Mobilisation

•  Coordinate the pursuit of external funds for research into higher education transformation; and
•  Manage the Chair’s resources in accordance with University policy to ensure the sustainability of its projects and programmes.

Administration

•  Oversee the administration of the Chair;
•  Capture the work of the Chair through annual, quarterly, and events reporting; and
•  Ensure the quality of reports, minutes, etc. through copyediting.

CORE COMPETENCIES

•  Technical/professional knowledge and skills
•  Good leadership, management and motivational skills
•  Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse team
•  Flexibility and adaptability
•  Ability to navigate complex systems
•  Problem-solving skills
•  Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
•  Excellent editing/proofreading skills
•  Research skills in own discipline and ability to apply them more broadly

REQUIREMENTS

•  Doctorate in relevant field
•  Proof of ability to publish research in peer-reviewed books and journals
•  Five (5) years of experience in the Higher Education sector
•  Three (3) years of experience with project and programmatic coordination
•  Knowledge of, and experience in, Higher Education Studies/Higher Education Transformation Studies/Critical University Studies