Dean: Humanities- University of the Free State x1
Job Overview
- Job Title: Dean: Humanities (Post Level 4)
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6582
- Employment Type: Five-year fixed-term contract, with possibility of reappointment
- Occupational Level: Senior Management
- Assumption of Duty: 1 January 2027
- Closing Date: 4 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request and commensurate with the responsibilities of the position
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking an experienced and visionary academic leader to serve as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. The Dean will provide strategic academic and operational leadership to advance the Faculty’s teaching and learning, research, innovation, postgraduate education and engaged scholarship objectives.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, the successful candidate will lead the Faculty’s academic programmes, research initiatives, strategic partnerships and community engagement while strengthening its impact locally, nationally, across Africa and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and visionary leadership aligned with the University’s priorities.
- Position the Faculty as a centre of excellence in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
- Lead transformation, decolonisation, digitalisation, social justice and student-success initiatives.
- Oversee the development and renewal of academic programmes.
- Promote excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.
- Advance student access, retention, success and graduation.
- Strengthen research output, postgraduate studies and emerging-scholar development.
- Develop national and international research partnerships and external funding opportunities.
- Promote interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
- Build partnerships with government, industry, cultural institutions, civil society and international organisations.
- Represent the Faculty on institutional, national and international platforms.
- Manage Faculty budgets, resources, infrastructure and assets.
- Oversee the recruitment, development and retention of academic and support staff.
- Lead fundraising, donor engagement and alumni relations.
- Strengthen the Faculty’s national, continental and international reputation.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Doctorate at NQF Level 10 in a discipline relevant to the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences or related fields.
- Appointment at full Professor level, supported by substantial achievements in teaching and learning, research, engaged scholarship and academic leadership.
- An established national and international research profile and academic network.
- A proven record of high-quality accredited research outputs.
- At least five years’ experience in senior academic leadership and management within a higher education institution.
- Proven expertise in faculty management, including finance, human resources and strategic planning.
- Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding for research and academic initiatives.
- Experience within a research-intensive university environment.
Recommended
The following would be advantageous:
- An NRF rating or equivalent recognition of research excellence.
- Recognised standing in the Humanities, Arts or Social Sciences.
- Experience leading institutional transformation initiatives.
- Experience in curriculum innovation and academic programme development.
- Experience in internationalisation and global academic partnerships.
- Proven ability to manage complex organisational change.
- Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Humanities and Educational Technologies.
Contract and Benefits
The Dean will be appointed on a five-year fixed-term, performance-based contract, with the possibility of reappointment subject to institutional requirements and performance.
Benefits, subject to applicable conditions, include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy system:
Applicants should submit:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable.
- A copy of a South African ID or passport for foreign nationals.
- Confirmation of employment for external applicants, such as an appointment contract, service certificate or recent payslip.
Important: The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact:
- 051 401 9329 — VermaakM@ufs.ac.za
- 051 401 9848 — TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za
Closing Date: 4 September 2026
Assumption of Duties: 1 January 2027