ACADEMIC HEAD

Brentwood Recruitment; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Gauteng is seeking a senior academic leader to provide strategic direction in line with institutional goals. The role requires oversight of curriculum development, quality assurance, and academic staff management. Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Education or Engineering and at least 5 years of senior management experience. Knowledge of South Africa's higher education landscape and regulatory frameworks is essential. This position offers an opportunity to shape academic excellence and strategic growth.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of senior academic management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of South Africa's higher education system.
• Proven ability to lead academic teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall academic leadership aligned with institutional goals.
• Lead development and review of academic policies and strategies.
• Ensure industry-aligned programmes and compliance with quality standards.

Skills

Strategic academic leadership

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Staff performance management

Regulatory frameworks knowledge

Education

Masters degree in Education or Engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

Minimum qualifications and experience :

• Masters degree in Education or a relevant Engineering discipline; PhD preferred
• At least 5 years of senior academic management experience within South Africas higher education sector
• Demonstrated experience in strategic academic leadership, including curriculum development, programme management, and quality assurance
• In-depth knowledge of South Africas higher education system, regulatory frameworks, accreditation processes (CHE, DHET, ECSA), and quality assurance standards
• Proven ability to lead and develop academic teams, manage staff performance, and promote a culture of academic excellence

Key duties and responsibilities :

• Provide overall academic leadership, ensuring alignment with the institutions mission, vision, and regulatory requirements (CHE, DHET, ECSA).
• Lead the development and review of academic policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Ensure programmes are industry-aligned, compliant with NQF / HEQSF standards, and support clear articulation and progression pathways.
• Oversee the quality assurance and programme review functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while delegating day-to-day QA processes to the Quality Assurance Officer.
• Support and manage academic staff through recruitment, professional development, fair workload distribution, and performance management.
• Oversee student administration, academic advising, student support initiatives, performance monitoring, progression, and the management of appeals or misconduct cases.
• Provide support to lecturers in teaching delivery, academic administration, and student engagement.
• Act as the key liaison with regulatory bodies, professional associations, industry partners, and internal governance structures.
• Support marketing and recruitment initiatives for academic programmes.
• Prepare reports for management, committees, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead re-accreditation and audit preparations in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Manage academic budgets and resources effectively.
• Contribute to general campus administration, operational management, and broader management functions.
• Undertake ad hoc duties as required to support the institutions operations.