Academic Program Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Access to university facilities

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Academic Program Manager in Bloemfontein to lead strategic planning, development, and operations of key programs. The role combines on-campus collaboration with remote work, leveraging digital tools to ensure high-quality program delivery and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate has a master's degree in education or related field, 5+ years in higher education program management, and strong skills in leadership, budgeting, and accreditation processes.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Ph.D. is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in academic program management or administration in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, accreditation processes and academic quality assurance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a complex environment.
• Experience working in a hybrid model, effectively balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting for academic program assessment.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and educational technologies.
• A commitment to promoting academic excellence and student success.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for assigned academic programs.
• Collaborate with faculty deans and department heads to develop and implement program goals and objectives.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Oversee the curriculum development and review process, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and industry needs.
• Monitor student enrollment, retention, and success rates, developing strategies for improvement.
• Coordinate accreditation processes and ensure compliance with relevant academic policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate academic program reviews, committee meetings, and advisory board sessions.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and enhancement.
• Ensure the effective use of technology and digital platforms to support program administration and delivery.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Curriculum design

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Educational technology

Education

Master's degree in Education

Ph.D. advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic higher education institution in Bloemfontein , is seeking an experienced Academic Program Manager to oversee the strategic planning, development, and operational management of key academic programs. This hybrid role requires a leader adept at coordinating faculty, managing resources, and ensuring the quality and relevance of educational offerings. You will be instrumental in driving program innovation, enhancing student outcomes, and fostering a vibrant academic community. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a deep understanding of the higher education landscape. Working in Free State , this position offers the flexibility to combine on-campus collaboration with remote work, utilizing digital tools to ensure seamless program delivery and stakeholder engagement. Join us in shaping the future of academic excellence at our esteemed institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for assigned academic programs.
• Collaborate with faculty deans and department heads to develop and implement program goals and objectives.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Oversee the curriculum development and review process, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and industry needs.
• Monitor student enrollment, retention, and success rates, developing strategies for improvement.
• Coordinate accreditation processes and ensure compliance with relevant academic policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate academic program reviews, committee meetings, and advisory board sessions.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and enhancement.
• Ensure the effective use of technology and digital platforms to support program administration and delivery.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• A Ph.D. is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in academic program management or administration in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, accreditation processes and academic quality assurance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a complex environment.
• Experience working in a hybrid model, effectively balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting for academic program assessment.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and educational technologies.
• A commitment to promoting academic excellence and student success.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan options.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Access to university facilities and resources.
• Collaborative and supportive academic environment.
• Contribution to the strategic direction of academic programs.
• Potential for career advancement within the institution.
• Work in the vibrant city of Bloemfontein .