Subject Head (5-Year Contract)
Job Overview / Description
- Position Title: Subject Head (Five-Year Contract)
- Department: English, Faculty of Humanities
- Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State, South Africa
- Job ID: 6280
- Contract Type: Five-Year Fixed-Term (for permanent UFS academic staff only)
- Occupational Level: Temporary / Full-time
- Closing Date: 2 November 2025
- Assumption of Duties: 1 January 2026
Overview:
The University of the Free State invites applications for the position of Subject Head: Department of English within the Faculty of Humanities. This leadership role is open exclusively to permanent academic staff members in the department. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing academic leadership, developing and executing strategic plans, and positioning the department as a leader in English studies nationally and internationally.
Key Responsibilities:
Academic Leadership & Strategic Direction
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Develop and implement visionary strategies to enhance the department’s academic standing.
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Direct academic debates, influence departmental culture, and inspire excellence among staff and students.
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Shape the future of the department in alignment with UFS strategic objectives.
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Participate actively in faculty and university management structures, including Senate and relevant committees.
Teaching & Learning Excellence
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Ensure top-quality, research-informed facilitation of learning at all levels.
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Maintain relevance and quality in all module content and presentation.
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Promote student engagement, effective feedback, and strong academic advising.
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Oversee programme review and curriculum development for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Research & Scholarship
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Formulate and maintain a visionary departmental research strategy.
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Foster a research culture and mentor staff toward acquiring NRF ratings.
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Encourage postgraduate student recruitment and ethical research practices.
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Engage with the Faculty Research Committee and Directorate of Research Development for funding opportunities.
Staff Development & Management
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Lead and build an effective academic team through fair workload distribution, mentoring, and career path planning.
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Recruit, mentor, and develop academic staff in line with university policies.
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Manage staff performance and foster a collegial, scholarship-friendly environment.
Financial & Administrative Leadership
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Oversee financial planning, budgeting, allocation, and control in line with UFS financial policies.
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Support and encourage staff applications for external research and development grants.
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Maintain effective communication within the department and between university structures.
Inherent Requirements:
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PhD in English (NQF Level 10).
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Permanent, full-time academic staff member of the Department of English at UFS, Bloemfontein Campus.
Recommendations:
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Minimum of three (3) years’ lecturing and/or leadership experience at a tertiary institution.
Required Competencies:
Results Orientated
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Ability to perform effectively under pressure and fulfill responsibilities reliably.
Strategic Thinking
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Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
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Attention to detail and methodical approach to work.
Business Acumen
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Adherence to institutional regulations and administrative systems.
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Proficiency in MS Office.
Leadership
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High personal motivation, enthusiasm, and the ability to energize others.
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Cooperative, approachable, and team-oriented leadership style.
Building Coalitions
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Sensitivity to others’ needs and effective interpersonal communication.
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Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse teams.
Allowance:
A Subject Head allowance will be paid, calculated according to a transparent formula approved by UFS management. The value of the allowance is available upon request.
Equity & Compliance:
The UFS is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity, and redress in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities.
All personal information will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Contact Information:
Enquiries:
051 401 7659
SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
(Alternative assistance: 051 401 2979 / 9813 / 9848)