Job Opening at University of Cape Town

Job description

We seek to appoint a Dean to assume the academic leadership of one of the most dynamic and successful faculties of Commerce on the continent. The candidate has to have a record of scholarship or equivalent professional experience at the professorial level and be available to take up the position as soon as possible

The Faculty of Commerce is the largest faculty in the University of Cape Town. Our undergraduate BCom and BBusSc degrees as well as our wide range of postgraduate degree programmes prepare students for the constantly changing business and public management environments, and for full and meaningful participation in the global economy. Our curricula constantly evolving to ensure that they maintain workplace relevance and retain accreditation with professional bodies. We value innovative and research-based teaching and expect a high level of public participation and socially responsive activities from our staff.

The Dean will be responsible for the implementation of the University’s strategic plan in the faculty, assuring the continuing provision of high quality education through residential and blended learning programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and developing the Faculty’s research profile, while ensuring sound financial management. They will also be expected to forge and sustain constructive links with the professions represented across  the faculty as well as with international partners.

The Dean will be expected to lead transformation in the faculty, by implementing processes  to enhance diversity in the institutional culture, including race and gender representivity of students and staff in the faculty.   Aside from building on the existing strengths of the faculty, as a member of the senior leadership team at a university-wide level, the Dean will actively contribute to shaping the University’s strategic goals and to institutional leadership and management.

As well as demonstrating proven leadership, management and interpersonal skills, the Dean will be expected to have experience in the financial management of a large department, preferably in an academic institution.

The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of the South African higher education landscape, and of the relevance of the faculty’s expertise to the developing South African and continental economic and social challenges.

Remuneration will be appropriate to the senior management level and includes sabbatical and staff tuition rate benefits. The initial term of appointment of a Dean is for five years and there is a maximum limit of one contract renewal, subject to performance assessment.