Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 1,476,000 - 1,804,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University seeks a Director of Community Engagement to provide visionary leadership for its engagement mission, linking teaching, learning and research with social justice and sustainable development. The role drives ethical, reciprocal partnerships with diverse communities and advances engagement as a scholarly field.

The post requires a Master's in the humanities or social sciences, with a PhD advantageous, and at least 7 years' senior leadership and fundraising experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or a closely related field.
• A doctoral (PhD) would be an advantage.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience including leadership and strategic direction for community engagement.
• Fundraising experience, including writing proposals and donor management.
• Ability to teach/facilitate, write academically and maintain a publication record.
• Sound understanding of community development.
• Financial management and budgeting experience.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the University's community engagement mission.
• Position community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning and research.
• Develop institutional strategies for reciprocal, ethical partnerships with diverse communities.
• Maintain an active research program in the scholarship of community engagement and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Supervise postgraduate students and contribute to teaching in relevant programmes.
• Provide intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Teaching/Facilitation

Academic writing

Publication record

Community development

Financial management

HE sector knowledge

Education

Master's degree in humanities or social sciences

PhD advantageous

Job description

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (GRADE 19)

The role of the Director of Community Engagement is to provide visionary and strategic leadership for the University's community engagement mission and to position community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning, and research, while promoting social justice, sustainable development, and societal impact. The Director champions a university-wide culture of community engagement by developing institutional strategies to promote reciprocal, ethical, mutually beneficial and knowledge-driven partnerships with diverse communities.

Main Objectives

The Director maintains an active programme of research in the scholarship of community engagement, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, supervises postgraduate students, contributes to teaching in relevant academic programmes, and provides intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice.

The Job Requirements

A Master's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or a closely related field. A doctoral (PhD) would be an advantage. In addition, the candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Leading and formulating the strategic direction and advancement of community engagement/community development.
• At least 4 years of leadership and management experience at a senior level.
• Proven ability to implement community engagement strategy through community-university partnerships that drive equitable and inclusive development whilst also contributing to the holistic development of students.
• Fundraising experience, including the ability to write fundraising proposals and manage donors.
• An ability to teach/facilitate, write academically and a publication record.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of community development.
• Financial management, understanding and working with budgets.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector is an advantage.

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade 19)

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 1 640 255

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted.

Closing Date: 28 October 2026

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. Please note that all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.