Academic Head of School: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (5 years)
Job Details
- Job Title: Academic Head of School: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Faculty of Health Sciences – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6617
- Reference Number: 2323
- Employment Type: Contract
- Contract Duration: 5 years, with the possibility of serving a second term
- Work Arrangement: Part-time
- Closing Date: 10 November 2026
- Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
- Salary/Allowance: An allowance is payable, calculated according to an approved UFS formula. The amount is available on request.
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking an experienced academic leader to serve as Academic Head of School for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, oversee academic programmes and research activities, strengthen teaching and learning, and manage the School’s overall operations. The role involves working closely with the Dean, Vice Dean, Heads of Schools and relevant academic departments to promote academic excellence, innovation, research development and effective healthcare service delivery.
Important: Only current Academic Heads of Department from Exercise and Sports Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry or Physiotherapy will be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Provide academic leadership and oversee the School’s academic programmes, research activities and service delivery.
Manage the strategic and day-to-day operations of the School under the leadership of the Dean.
Establish and maintain appropriate infrastructure and decision-making structures.
Coordinate institutional support functions in consultation with the Dean, Vice Dean and other Heads of Schools.
Liaise with relevant authorities, academic hospitals and private-sector partners to ensure the effective utilisation of service platforms.
Participate actively in the management of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Strengthen research, scholarship, reconciliation and social justice within the School.
Promote innovation in teaching and learning, including the effective use of technology.
Provide leadership in national and regional clinical medicine and healthcare matters.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that support the School’s academic programmes, research and community service.
Apply effective leadership and management skills to achieve the School’s strategic objectives.
Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
A relevant PhD at NQF Level 10 in one of the following disciplines:
Exercise and Sports Science.
Nutrition and Dietetics.
Occupational Therapy.
Optometry.
Physiotherapy.
Proven academic and research stature, expertise and experience in an academic environment.
Must currently occupy an Academic Head of Department position in one of the five specified departments.
Must meet the dynamic academic status requirements as outlined in the UFS Academic Appointment and Promotion Policy.
Must demonstrate the academic status and appointability required for the position.
Additional Recommendations
Experience engaging with professional health councils and professional bodies.
Experience working with management structures in public and corporate healthcare environments.
Must be willing to continue rendering professional services in accordance with their current UFS appointment.
Required Competencies and Skills
Results Orientation: Ability to set high standards, achieve challenging goals and remain effective under pressure.
Strategic Thinking: Strong planning, organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Business Acumen: Ability to follow institutional policies and regulations, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership: Ability to motivate teams, provide direction, take charge and encourage collaboration.
Building Coalitions: Strong negotiation, communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Decision-Making: Ability to make informed decisions through consultation, collaboration and teamwork.