EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DEAN

University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious University in Durban seeks a visionary Executive Director and Dean for its Graduate School of Business and Leadership. The successful candidate will oversee strategic direction, operational management, and the promotion of an inclusive academic culture. Ideal candidates have advanced degrees and significant leadership experience, along with a strong commitment to excellence in education and community engagement. This is a five-year fixed-term appointment with eligibility for renewal based on performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in management and leadership at an executive level.
• Minimum five years of experience in a unit of significant size.
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational management of the Business School.
• Translate institutional strategy into a coherent School plan.
• Foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Skills

Strategic Thinker

Collaborative Leader

Financial Acumen

Excellent Communicator

Change Agent

Equity Champion

Education

Masters Degree in Business, Management, Economics or related field

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to employment equity with the intention to promote representativity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

COLLEGE OF LAW AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DEAN

(PEROMNES GRADE 4)

FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINMENT

WESTVILLE CAMPUS

REFERENCE NUMBER: ukzn_000619

UKZN seek to appoint a visionary leadership to reposition the Graduate School of Business and Leadership in its quest to be amongst the leader Business Schools in the country. The successful candidate will be expected to: provide strategic direction, and operational management of the Business School, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, community engagement, and student outcomes. They will translate institutional strategy into a coherent School plan, foster an inclusive academic culture, and champion the School’s reputation locally and internationally.

The Head of Business School will play a pivotal role in shaping the School's identity and future trajectory. This includes fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence that aligns with the University's overarching mission. By translating institutional strategy into a coherent School plan, the Head will ensure that the School remains responsive to global trends, industry demands, and societal needs.

Additionally, the Head will act as a key representative of the School, building its reputation locally and internationally through strategic partnerships, impactful research, and community engagement initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters Degree in Business, Management, Economics or related field

• PhD in a relevant field would be advantageous

• Proven senior leadership experience (e.g., Head, Dean, Director).

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in management and leadership of a unit of significant size and at an executive level.

• Demonstrated track record of research excellence and securing funding or leading an entrepreneurial organization.

• Exposure to executive education or industry consulting (preferred).

Desired/ Essential Skills

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to envision future trends and translate them into actionable plans.

• Collaborative Leader: Empowers teams, builds consensus, and navigates complex stakeholder landscapes.

• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budget management, revenue generation, and ROI analysis.

• Excellent Communicator: Articulates vision, negotiates partnerships, and inspires confidence across audiences.

• Change Agent: Proven capacity to lead transformation, manage resistance, and sustain momentum.

• Equity Champion: Committed to diversity, inclusion, and social impact in academia and community engagement.

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Home.aspx. Please ensure you detail in your application and CV how you meet the above benchmark criteria.

The term of office for this position is five (5) years with the possibility of renewal based on performance. In the case of applicants who are permanent staff members of UKZN, the successful applicant will resume his/her substantive position at the end of this term of office.

Appointment of external applicants may be underpinned by a permanent substantive appointment in their academic specialist area.

You are invited to visit the College website at https://clms.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage.aspx

Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service.

The remuneration package offered includes benefits and will be dependent on the qualifications and/or experience of the successful applicant.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 August 2025

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form (application form – academic) and CV which is available on the Vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za.

To apply click on the link https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php

Please state the advert reference number in your subject line.

• Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.