Jobs at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide strategic and operational leadership of CAS’s (Centre for Advancement Of Scholarship) events and communications functions. To elevate CAS’s visibility and reputation internally at UP, nationally, across Africa, and globally. To design and deliver a coherent calendar of scholarly events, seminars, and public engagements. To support research translation and stakeholder engagement through compelling, compliant, and data-driven communications. To contribute to resource mobilisation through aligned messaging, donor-facing content, and partner stewardship. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and implementing a CAS communications strategy and annual workplan aligned to UP policies and CAS’s 2026–2028 priorities;
• Defining audience segmentation, key messages, channel mix, and content calendar; ensuring brand and CI compliance (UP corporate identity); 
• Coordinating with UP central communications/marketing for alignment and amplification;
• Designing and leading CAS’s annual transdisciplinary conference: concept, programme curation, speakers, partnerships, sponsorship/host agreements, logistics, marketing, registration, and post-event outputs;
• Managing a year-round events portfolio (seminars, lectures, workshops, policy dialogues, colloquia, fellow showcases), including hybrid/virtual delivery;
• Organising fundraising events;
• Ensuring that projects associated with the Centre are appropriate for the activities of the Centre and that the funding obtained is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the projects; 
• Serving as a primary liaison for communications and events stakeholders (internal: CAS staff, fellows, students; external: funders, partners, media, service providers).
• Supporting research leads and postdoctoral fellows with profiling, knowledge translation, and event communications;
• Establishing dashboards and tracking KPIs across visibility, engagement, event participation, content performance, and media uptake;
• Providing monthly and quarterly reports to the Director and management on progress, insights, and corrective actions;
• Preparing and managing communications and events budgets; forecasting, monitoring, and controlling expenditure;
• Overseeing compliant procurement and vendor management per UP policies; verifying and tracking invoices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Marketing’ Public Relations/Journalism, or related field;

8 years of work experience in the following work areas:

• Communications strategy and execution within academic, research, non-profit, or comparable institutional settings;
• Event strategy and end-to-end delivery, including conferences and hybrid formats.
• Content development and editing across digital, social, print, and multimedia;
• Media relations, press material development, and securing coverage;
• Brand management and CI compliance;
• Stakeholder/vendor management and cross-functional collaboration;
• Budgeting and procurement processes for communications/events.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement processes, and financial compliance in communications projects;
• Knowledge of communications principles, strategies, and tools, including corporate communication, internal communication, and stakeholder engagement;
• Knowledge of marketing strategies, brand positioning, and reputation management, including alignment with institutional branding protocols;
• Knowledge of digital marketing principles, online campaigns, analytics, and social media engagement;
• Knowledge of multimedia production, graphic design principles, and digital storytelling (video, podcasts, infographics, and other related forms of content development).
• Knowledge of data analytics and metrics-driven communications, including social media metrics, website traffic analysis and campaign ROI measurement;
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, social media);
• Language and communication/presentation skills (written and spoken);
• Design, implement, and evaluate integrated communications strategies and workplans aligned with institutional goals;
• Tracking, evaluating, and reporting communication performance using digital tools (Google Analytics, social media insights, and survey platforms);
• Generate, curate, and edit high-quality content for print, online, social, and broadcast platforms;
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations, maintaining composure, focus, and quality of output;
• Ability to work methodically and accurately, ensuring communications, reports, and outputs are free from errors and meet high standards;
• Ability to negotiate and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while preserving relationships;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within complex teams;
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels (academics, students, donors, media, partners);
• Ability to represent the institute in high-level engagements with diplomacy and tact;
• Ability to use digital platforms effectively to amplify institutional messaging;
• Ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional communication projects from conception to delivery;
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members and interns in communications functions;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within complex teams.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in higher education or research ecosystems; transdisciplinary or pan-African programmes;
• Donor/partner communications and advancement support, including impact narratives and reporting;
• Digital analytics (web, social, email) and use of dashboards for decision-making;
• Working in multicultural, multilingual contexts with sensitivity to diverse audiences;
• A valid driver’s licence;
• Marketing Association of SA;
• Digital Media and Marketing Association;
• Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa;
• Verbal and written comprehension of Francophone;
• Project management qualification.

CLOSING DATE:  20 January 2026

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POSITION 

• The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department. The appointment will be additional to the successful candidate’s academic appointment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• The strategic, academic, and operational management of the Department;
• Providing intellectual and strategic leadership to ensure the department’s academic excellence and relevance;
• Developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan and ensuring it is aligned with faculty and institutional visions;
• Fostering a cohesive academic identity grounded in psychological science and professional practice;
• Leading curriculum design, review, and accrediting processes (e.g., alignment with HPCSA or equivalent standards);
• Promoting innovation in pedagogy and ensuring integration of current psychological theories, transformation, and research;
• Overseeing the quality assurance of teaching and learning, including moderation and student assessment policies;
• Promoting and overseeing good academic education as well as professional training and continuous development of all stakeholders in the department;
• Playing an active role as an academic leader in the discipline at a national and international level;
• Enhancing the research productivity, visibility, and impact of the department;
• Promoting the department’s research profile;
• Fundraising for departmental activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A doctorate in Psychology;
• A proven research and publication record;
• A proven postgraduate supervision track record;
• Registration with the HPCSA in any of the relevant psychology categories (Clinical/ Counselling/ Research);
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload allocations, staff development and conflict resolution;
• An appropriate vision for the Department;
• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Evidence of teaching excellence in psychology at a tertiary level;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional boards;
• International recognition of research work;
• Active engagement in funded research or grant applications;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A strong research record in one of the Department's research specialisation fields;
• NRF rating.

REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT 

• The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
• The Head of Department is a term appointment for four (4) years. External candidates will also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department.

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2026

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The School of the Arts: Drama at the University of Pretoria seeks a Theatre Manager to contribute to the School’s vision to serve as a prominent academic hub in South Africa, fostering exceptional researchers, prolific creative minds, and celebrated artists. This full-time role supports the School of the Arts: Drama in a range of duties related to the operational and technical management of the Masker, Lier and Bok theatres for productions, projects and events of Drama and external users. The Theatre Manager also guides students towards becoming knowledgeable and confident practitioners in the behind-the-scenes world of theatre and performance. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Provide operational and technical management of the Masker, Lier and Bok theatres;
• Provide robust logistical and technical support for all productions in the Masker, Lier and Bok theatres, including rigging, plotting and operation of lights and sound; 
• Be responsible for reporting, actioning and following up on all matters related to theatre maintenance, including the theatre venues and equipment; 
• Be responsible for all assets housed and utilised in the theatres; 
• Provide administrative support related to productions, projects and events in the theatres; 
• Provide selected theoretical and practical teaching at undergraduate levels in subject areas related to theatre management, such as theatre technologies and production management;
• Participate in the School of the Arts’ and the Department’s strategic initiatives relating to productions, projects, events and community engagement;
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders within and outside the School of the Arts.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Appropriate fourth-year level qualification in the area of theatre and performance;
• At least three years professional experience in relevant theatre and performance production including: venue management, scheduling, technical support (light and sound), production logistics. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• In-depth theoretical and experiential knowledge of the operational and technical requirements of theatres;
• Strong leadership skills; 
• Excellent language and communication skills;
• Appropriate computer skills;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Administrative competence;
• A strong work ethic;
• Able to work adjust schedule and work flexible hours to accommodate production schedules. 

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Teaching experience in subject areas related to theatre management, including theatre technologies and production management;
• Administrative experience in a professional context;
• Professional experience in lighting and sound design. 

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level  of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium

CLOSING DATE: 16 January 2026

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Provide professional costume consultation and design for all productions, events and projects for the School of the Arts (SOA): Drama;
• Manufacture and source costumes for all productions, events and projects for the SOA: Drama; 
• Supervise the duties of Wardrobe staff and facilitate ongoing training/professional development opportunities; 
• Provide operational and technical management of the Wardrobe by developing and working effectively according to timelines and budgets; 
• Be responsible for reporting, actioning and following up on all matters related to Wardrobe maintenance, including its equipment; 
• Be responsible for all assets housed and utilised in the Wardrobe; 
• Contribute effectively as part of a larger production team; 
• Provide professional guidance to student directors and performers as part of their academic journey at the School of the Arts: Drama; 
• Provide administrative support related to productions, projects and events in the theatres for the School of the Arts: Drama; 
• Participate in the School of the Arts’ and the Department’s strategic initiatives relating to productions, projects, events and community engagement; 
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders within and outside the School of the Arts.     

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant National Diploma or fourth-year level qualification in the area of costume design;
• In-depth theoretical knowledge of costume design for various performance genres, styles and time periods;
• At least two years professional experience in costume design and manufacture for various performance media (including stage and screen);
• At least two years professional experience in Wardrobe supervision. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• In-depth theoretical and experiential knowledge of the operational and technical requirements of Wardrobe supervision/management;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Excellent language and communication skills;
• Appropriate computer skills;
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team;
• Administrative competence;
• A strong work ethic;
• Ability to adjust schedule and work flexible hours to accommodate production schedules. 

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience working in Wardrobe in the context of Higher Education; 
• Administrative experience in a professional context;
• Previous qualifications/courses completed in management;
• Previous award(s) in the field of costume design. 

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level  of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

CLOSING DATE: 16 January 2026

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Patient care (monitoring, feeding, handling and assisting with procedures etc);
• Clinic management (hygiene, stock control, pharmacy orders, care of equipment, safety measures, charge sheets etc.);
• Assist with practical student training;
• Communicating with Clients, Sales representatives, Private Practitioners and visiting students;
• Assist with practical demonstrations and assist students and student nurses in performing certain tasks e.g. preparation of drips;
• Biosecurity and safety (ensure standards, apply policies and report any safety issues)
• Self-development;
• Being flexible to work in other sections in the OVAH; and 
• Performing shift duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BVetNurse qualification; and 
• Registration as Veterinary Nurse with the South African Veterinary Council.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of small & large animal nursing procedures, biosecurity measures and procedures and handling of all types of small animals;
• Knowledge of ICU equipment;
• Knowledge of basic Diagnostic Imaging equipment;
• Knowledge of theatre equipment and instruments;
• Meticulous about detail, professional and a responsible person;
• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Organizing skills and a strong service orientation;
• Physical mobility;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Computer literacy;
• Ability to work weekends and outside normal working hours when required for continuous service delivery in the hospital; and 
• Willingness to perform shift duties.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES: 

• Registration with the Veterinary Nursing Association of South Africa. 

CLOSING DATE: 4 January 2026

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will be involved in fostering strategic partnerships, promoting research collaboration, and advancing the commercialisation of innovative outputs.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Identifying, developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with industry, government, research institutions, and funding agencies; 
• Facilitating the negotiation and management of research collaboration and commercialisation agreements;
• Driving business intelligence gathering to identify emerging trends and opportunities in research and innovation;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, funders, investors, and policy stakeholders;
• Facilitating cross-sector collaborations aimed at enhancing research translation and societal impact;
• Developing and implement frameworks to monitor and evaluate innovation, commercialisation, and partnership activities;
• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare regular progress reports for internal and external reporting;
• Supporting researchers in identifying commercial opportunities and potential partners for funded research projects;
• Aligning research and innovation activities with institutional strategy, national policy, and funding priorities;
• Providing analytical and advisory support to the Head: Innovation and Contracts Management;
• Coordinating institutional innovation programmes, workshops, and stakeholder dialogues.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Science or Engineering or Commerce;
• Five years of relevant experience in business development, research management, Innovation support or stakeholder engagement within a university research institution or corporate environment.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Knowledge of the following:

• Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research & Development Act (Act No. 51 of 2008);
• IP Management;
• RSA National System of Innovation; 
• Intellectual Property Rights;
• Financial Management;
• Programme Management;
• Market analysis;
• Experience in report writing;
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills;
• Excellent networking, negotiation and stakeholder management skills;
• High level of professionalism, initiative and organisational ability;
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment;
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA); 
• Industry Experience;
• Developmental Finance Institution (DFI) Experience;
• Innovation Program Management;
• A postgraduate qualification in Innovation Management, Business Administration, or Technology Commercialisation; 
• Experience in managing contracts, partnerships, and commercialisation projects; 
• Knowledge of the South African research and innovation landscape, including policies, funding mechanisms, and IP frameworks.

CLOSING DATE:  15 January 2026