Executive Dean, Faculty Of Arts And Design

Durban University Of Technology; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Executive Dean for its Faculty of Arts and Design. This role involves leading strategic initiatives to enhance academic performance and reputation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership and a commitment to student and staff engagement, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Responsibilities include overseeing academic policies, managing faculty operations, and ensuring compliance with national standards. If you are a seasoned academic leader looking to make a significant impact in higher education, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Proven record of academic excellence and leadership.
• Experience in strategic planning and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Leads faculty strategic initiatives and manages academic integrity.
• Oversees implementation of policies and promotes equity.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Academic Management

Policy Development

Human Resource Management

Education

Doctorate in Education or related field

Master's degree

Job description

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is located on the warm east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

It sprawls over seven campuses that cater for about 32,000 students.

Two of these are located in spectacular KZN Midlands, well-known for its undulating hills, which unfurl coastwards from the Drakensburg Mountains nearby. Five of these are located in tropical and picturesque Durban, which sits ensconced beside the 'Valley of a Thousand Hills' as it tapers off into the Indian ocean.

EXECUTIVE DEAN : FACULTY OF ARTS AND DESIGN (Post Ref No.)

Executive Deans are senior officers of the University and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning). In line with the University's vision and overall objectives, Executive Deans are expected to determine, articulate, implement and lead faculty-based strategic initiatives to enhance the Faculty's academic stature, reputation and performance in teaching/learning, research, innovation and engagement.

Key traits of Executive Deans include inspirational, innovative and enterprising academic leadership. It is expected that the Executive Deans will strengthen the faculties' service ethic to students and its staff and build its engagement with industry, communities and government.

As administrators, the Executive Deans are responsible for the academic integrity, administrative management, financial management, human resource and strategic transformational leadership of the Faculty. In summary, the Executive Dean for the Faculty strategically manages the following divisions:

1. Drama and Production Studies
2. Fashion and Textiles
3. Fine Art and Jewellery Design
4. Media, Language and Communication
5. School of Education
6. Video Technology
7. Visual Communication Design
8. General Education

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

1. Develops, researches, designs, develops and reviews faculty and, where appropriate, institutional policies, procedures, plans and systems as required in line with relevant legislation, national standards and international best practices.
2. Provides leadership in the formulation and monitoring of faculty-related policies and goals.
3. As part of the Institutes Academic leadership team, provides input to regional, national and international academic initiatives where appropriate.
4. As structural and functional head of the Faculty, oversees and monitors the effective implementation of institutional and faculty policies, procedures, plans and systems within the Faculty.
5. Provides specific, high-level, legally compliant strategic advice on faculty-related academic matters to the DVC: Teaching and Learning and Executive Management as may be required.
6. Manages appeals, complaints, etc. from students, parents, employers.
7. Manages staff appeals, complaints, grievances, etc., and conducts disciplinary enquiries as appropriate.
8. Promotes equity and transformation within the Faculty.
9. Promotes congenial working relationships between staff in the Faculty and with other academic and administrative departments.
10. Manages the Faculty office by delegating specific responsibilities to Deputy Dean, e.g. registration, record keeping and qualification procedures.
11. Designs, sets up, and monitors effective control systems to promote the smooth and efficient functioning of the Faculty, e.g. initiates, promotes and implements new/alternative procedures to enhance academic administration efficiency.
12. Embeds 'stewardship' in the University's people who shall live its values and principles and demonstrate an institutional culture that supports the vision and strategy of the University.
13. Innovates and implements 'systems and processes' that optimize productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and exceptional performance at all levels.
14. Assures acceptable levels of 'sustainability' in all the areas under management.
15. Focuses on the ultimate goal of an impactful DUT that 'contributes towards the improvement of lives and livelihoods' of the broader 'society'.

THE IDEAL INCUMBENT:

1. Epitomises and demonstrates values- and principles-driven leadership and management, our DNA and The DUT Way.
2. Fosters visionary and transformative leadership that is efficient, effective and impactful not only internally, but in our broader society nationally and internationally.
3. Embeds systems thinking and management in the implementation of plans and projects, while ensuring sustainability.
4. Takes leadership in ensuring that our education philosophy statement: 'our innovation and entrepreneurship shapes adaptive graduates that transform society' is not only enacted across DUT, but is a lived experience among, primarily, academics and students.
5. Is creative and innovative, deliberative and decisive, and is a leader, a strategist and a manager.
6. Is a seasoned academic leader with a proven record of academic excellence.

CLOSING DATE: 21 FEBRUARY

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: Please note that all the above positions are for a term contract for a period of 5 years, renewable based on performance. Kindly note that if you previously applied for these positions and are still interested, you are encouraged to submit a new application. Please complete an official application for employment form and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for. This can be obtainable from our website in the careers section. The detailed requirements for the job and the submission of applications can be addressed to our Interim Senior Director: Human Capital Services, Mr E M Mkhwanazi, on email: