Academic Head of Department- 5 years
JOB DETAILS
- Position: Academic Head of Department (AHD) – Job ID: 6447
- Faculty & Department: Faculty of Education
Department of Education Management, Policy and Comparative Education - Location: Qwaqwa Campus
- Contract: Fixed-term: 5 years, Renewable based on performance
- Closing Date: 15 May 2026
- Start Date: 01 July 2026
Eligibility
Only permanent academic staff within the Faculty of Education at UFS
Remuneration
- Based on current academic rank
- Additional Head of Department allowance
- Standard university benefits
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Academic Head of Department (AHD) is a senior academic leadership role responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the department.
The role combines:
- Academic leadership (teaching, research, curriculum)
- Operational management (staff, finances, administration)
- Strategic direction (positioning the department as a leader in its field)
The AHD ensures the department delivers high-quality teaching, impactful research, and effective governance, while aligning with faculty and institutional goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Teaching & Learning
- Provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
- Ensure high-quality, research-informed teaching
- Oversee curriculum design and programme development
- Enhance student learning experiences and engagement
2. Research Leadership
- Develop and implement a departmental research strategy
- Promote publication in accredited journals
- Build a strong research culture within the department
- Support staff in achieving research recognition (e.g., NRF ratings)
- Recruit and supervise postgraduate students
3. Postgraduate Supervision
- Supervise Master’s and Doctoral students
- Ensure quality academic guidance and timely feedback
4. Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute departmental strategies
- Align departmental plans with faculty and university goals
- Position the department as a leader locally and internationally
5. Staff Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and motivate academic staff
- Allocate workloads fairly
- Manage performance and career development
- Recruit and retain qualified academic staff
6. Financial Management
- Manage departmental budget
- Plan and allocate financial resources
- Ensure compliance with university financial policies
7. Governance & Administration
- Oversee departmental administration
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies
- Participate in faculty and university structures (e.g., Senate)
8. Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a liaison between department, faculty, and university management
- Represent the department internally and externally
- Promote partnerships and collaboration
9. Academic Environment Development
- Create a positive, research-driven academic culture
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork
- Foster innovation in teaching and research
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (PhD) in Education (NQF Level 10)
Employment Requirement
- Must be a permanent academic staff member at UFS
- At rank of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in higher education
- Proven postgraduate supervision (Master’s and/or PhD)
- Strong research record with publications in accredited journals
- Experience in academic leadership roles (e.g., programme director, coordinator)
- Experience in research management and engaged scholarship
KEY COMPETENCIES
Strategic Thinking
- Analytical problem-solving
- Long-term planning and vision
Leadership
- Ability to motivate and guide teams
- Build a collaborative work environment
Business & Administrative Skills
- Financial management
- Policy compliance
- Digital and MS Office proficiency
Communication & Collaboration
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to build partnerships and networks
Personal Attributes
- Adaptability in a changing environment
- Reliability and accountability
- High energy and initiative
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Applications must be submitted online via the UFS portal only
- Maximum of 8 attachments allowed
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If no response within 6 weeks → application unsuccessful