Academic Head of Department- University of the Free State x1
- Position: Academic Head of Department (AHD)
- Department: Curriculum Studies and Higher Education
- Faculty: Education
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Contract: 5 Years (with possibility of reappointment)
Purpose of the Role
The Academic Head of Department provides strategic, academic, administrative, and financial leadership to the Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education. The role is responsible for ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research, staff development, student success, and departmental management while contributing to the broader leadership of the Faculty of Education and the university.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
- Supervise Master’s and Doctoral students.
- Ensure high-quality, research-informed teaching.
- Lead curriculum development and programme review initiatives.
- Enhance student learning experiences and academic engagement.
- Ensure quality feedback and academic support for students.
Academic Leadership
- Develop and implement the Department’s academic vision and strategy.
- Position the Department as a leader within the discipline nationally and internationally.
- Direct academic discussions and scholarly activities.
- Influence departmental culture and academic excellence.
- Participate actively in faculty and university leadership structures.
Research Management
- Develop and implement a departmental research strategy.
- Foster a strong research culture among academic staff.
- Encourage publication in accredited journals.
- Recruit and support postgraduate research students.
- Support staff in obtaining NRF ratings.
- Promote ethical research practices.
- Secure external research funding and grants.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Lead, mentor, motivate, and support academic staff.
- Manage staff performance according to university policies.
- Plan and allocate workloads fairly.
- Identify staff development needs and coordinate training opportunities.
- Recruit and appoint new academic staff when required.
- Create a positive and collaborative working environment.
Departmental Administration
- Coordinate departmental activities and operations.
- Ensure compliance with university, faculty, and departmental regulations.
- Manage communication between staff, students, faculty leadership, and university management.
- Represent the department in meetings, committees, and institutional forums.
Financial Management
- Prepare and manage annual departmental budgets.
- Allocate departmental resources effectively.
- Monitor expenditure and financial controls.
- Ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Represent the department and faculty at university events and initiatives.
- Serve as liaison between the department and university management.
- Promote the department’s academic programmes and achievements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10) in Education.
- Permanent appointment as a Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor within the Faculty of Education at UFS.
- At least five years’ experience in a Higher Education environment.
- Experience supervising Master’s and/or Doctoral students.
- A recent publication record in accredited national and international journals.
- Experience in research leadership and academic management.
- Experience in engaged scholarship.
Required Competencies
Leadership
- Ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Team-building and staff development skills.
- Strong decision-making ability.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to analyse complex issues.
- Creative problem-solving.
- Long-term planning and vision.
Communication
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration.
Administration and Governance
- Understanding of university governance structures.
- Compliance and policy management.
- Financial and resource management skills.
Personal Attributes
- Adaptability and resilience.
- Accountability and reliability.
- Professionalism and integrity.
- High levels of energy and commitment.