Dean: Faculty of AgriSciences

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Unitalentza is seeking a Dean for the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University to provide visionary leadership and manage substantial change. This position requires a PhD and significant senior management experience in an academic setting, fostering inclusivity and excellence while engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD qualification in a relevant discipline.
• At least five years' senior management experience.
• Proven strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to the Faculty.
• Drive strategic direction through management.
• Foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Management

Change Management

Partnership Development

Inclusivity

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Job description

• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

(Five-year term with the possibility of reappointment for

another term)

Ref. AW00/102/0525

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research-intensive university where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff, and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world while enriching and transforming local, continental, and global communities.

Stellenbosch University’s strategic positioning, as articulated in the Vision 2040 (see: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/about-us/strategic-documents), is anchored in providing a transformative student experience, promoting collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships, and inclusive networks for a thriving university and employer of choice.

The Faculty of AgriSciences is a leading academic environment that requires dynamic, innovative, and creative leadership for learning and teaching programmes, research, internationalisation, and social impact. The Faculty of AgriSciences hosts eleven departments and six research centres and institutes. More information on the Faculty is available on https://agric.sun.ac.za/.

Job Description

The Purpose of the Role:

The Dean of AgriSciences will provide visionary leadership to the Faculty, driving strategic direction through strategic management while fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. A key aspect of the role is leading change management initiatives to ensure the Faculty remains responsive to evolving academic, societal, and environmental demands. As a people-centric leader, the Dean will champion inclusivity, staff development, and student success, whilst cultivating strategic partnerships both locally and globally, and advancing long-term sustainability initiatives aligned with the institution’s goals and societal impact.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• PhD qualification in a discipline relevant to the Faculty of AgriSciences, and appointable at the level of Associate Professor / Professor in an academic department within the Faculty.
• At least five years’ senior management experience at Faculty and/or institutional level, and /or related industry context.
• Proven experience of strategic leadership and operational excellence in leading diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Proven experience to lead and manage change effectively, with a focus on fostering a people-centric environment that promotes inclusivity.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders at national and international levels.
• Evidence of promoting inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the agricultural sector and related industries.
• Comprehensive understanding of the higher education landscape.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic quality, innovation, and research significance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and liaison abilities, with the ability to engage and inspire students, academic staff, and professional support teams.
• Proven experience of promoting diversity and transformation, including the ability to function in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• Proven experience of fundraising or grant sourcing to support the core activities of academic success, with emphasis on one or more of the following areas: teaching and learning, research, innovation, social impact, and stakeholder engagement.

Application Requirement

Term of appointment: Five years with the possibility of reappointment for another term

Commencement of duties: 01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 07 July 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Candice Kenny on 021 808 3897, or at [e-mail]

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753, or at [e-mail]

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to [e-mail] before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A document in which candidates outline their vision of the Faculty’s future, as well as their contribution to such a future in the context of the University's Vision 2040.
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
• Certified copies of certificates.
• Details of at least three referees.

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to oblige. Candidates must be willing to work in Stellenbosch and be prepared to travel both nationally and internationally as required.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

About Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

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