Academic Head of Department-University of the Free State (5years)
Job Details
Job Title: Academic Head of Department
Job ID: 6624
Reference Number: 2299
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Faculty: Economic and Management Sciences
Department: Public Administration and Management
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Qwaqwa Campus and South Campus
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term
Allowance: Academic Head of Department allowance, calculated according to the UFS-approved formula. The value is available on request.
Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Assumption of Duties: 1 March 2027
Enquiries: 051 401 2558
Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Important eligibility restriction: Only full-time, permanent academic staff members of the UFS Department of Public Administration and Management will be considered.
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking an Academic Head of Department to provide strategic, academic and administrative leadership to the Department of Public Administration and Management. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening the department’s academic standing, promoting excellence in teaching and research, managing staff performance and ensuring effective financial and operational management.
The role involves developing and implementing academic strategies aligned with the university’s objectives, fostering collaboration among staff, supporting student success, building relationships with public sector organisations and creating an environment that encourages research, innovation and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership and Strategy
Develop and implement a strategic academic vision for the department.
Position the department as a leader in Public Administration and Management.
Direct academic debates and influence the department’s culture and future development.
Contribute to faculty leadership and participate in relevant university management structures, including Senate.
Represent the department and faculty at meetings, projects and stakeholder engagements.
Teaching and Learning
Ensure high-quality, research-informed teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Review and update module content, learning materials and teaching approaches.
Improve student experiences and encourage participation in academic debates.
Ensure timely, constructive feedback on student work.
Provide effective academic guidance and support to students.
Develop new and relevant academic programmes.
Ensure compliance with university, faculty and departmental rules and regulations.
Research and Academic Development
Develop and maintain a clear research strategy for the department.
Promote a strong research culture and encourage discipline-specific research among academic staff.
Recruit postgraduate students and ensure compliance with research ethics requirements.
Support senior academics in working towards National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings.
Collaborate with the faculty research committee and UFS Directorate of Research Development to secure sustainable research funding.
Encourage academic staff to apply for external research grants and other funding opportunities.
Staff Management and Development
Coordinate departmental staff, students, activities and operational plans.
Mentor, motivate and support academic staff.
Establish fair workloads and clear career development pathways.
Manage staff performance in accordance with university policies and procedures.
Recruit and select academic staff when vacancies or strategic needs arise.
Plan and oversee relevant staff development initiatives.
Foster collaboration and maintain a supportive academic environment.
Financial and Administrative Management
Manage departmental budgeting, financial planning, allocation of funds and financial control.
Ensure compliance with UFS financial policies and procedures.
Coordinate departmental activities and maintain effective internal and external communication.
Link departmental staff and students with university management through consultation, negotiation and communication.
Participate actively in faculty management structures and represent the department when required.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with public sector organisations, including the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Liaise with different levels of government and relevant stakeholders.
Lead project teams and support departmental marketing and external engagement.
Promote collaboration between the department, faculty, university and external partners.
Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following inherent requirements:
A PhD at NQF Level 10 in Public Administration and Management or a closely related field.
Must be a full-time, permanent academic staff member of the UFS Department of Public Administration and Management.
Must hold the academic rank of Professor, Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer.
Required Competencies
Results-oriented
Ability to set high standards, establish challenging goals and achieve results.
Ability to adapt to changing environments and evolving situations.
Strategic thinking
Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
Strong planning, organisation and implementation skills.
Business acumen
Ability to follow institutional rules, policies and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
Ability to maintain high levels of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Ability to encourage cooperation and teamwork.
Building coalitions
Ability to understand and respond to the needs of others.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish productive working relationships.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained.
SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable.
A copy of a South African identity document or passport for foreign nationals.
All documents required under the inherent requirements of the vacancy.
Important: The application system permits a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to combine documents into fewer files where necessary. Incomplete applications will not be considered.