Executive Director Library & Information Centre

University of Johannesburg; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks an Executive Director for the Library and Information Centre. This role requires a PhD and significant leadership experience to guide and innovate library services, aligning them with both local and global educational standards. Responsibilities include advancing the library strategy, managing resources effectively, and promoting community engagement. The contract is for five years with competitive remuneration, and candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the university's mission.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years experience in a senior leadership position.
• Substantive leadership stature with a proven reputation.
• In-depth understanding of library administration and higher education.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Library and Information Centre.
• Advance library strategies in line with the university's goals.
• Ensure high-quality governance and management of resources.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Strategic Vision

Financial Acumen

Communication Skills

Technology Utilization

Education

PhD Degree (NQF 10) or equivalent

Job description

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution guided by its bold UJ Strategic Plan 2035, which emphasises societal impact, sustainability, global footprint, partnerships and technology for the future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge. The university is guided by the vision of building an international university of choice anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.

Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director: Library and Information Centre is to lead, manage and ensure the success of the Library and Information Centre (LIC) of the University. The focus is on making the LIC and its services future‑fit for lifelong learning and continuous education. The role supports and advances the LIC through targeted interventions, innovations and partnerships, contributing to the achievement of the university’s strategic objectives.

• Determine, articulate, implement and lead the library’s strategic initiatives in accordance with the university’s strategic goals in order to continuously elevate teaching, research, community engagement and global engagement.
• Review and advance the library strategy in accordance with the university’s 2035 strategic objectives.
• Take the library further into the virtual space.
• Conceptualise and collaborate with peer institutions to innovate new cost‑effective virtual and integrated library models and procurement systems.
• Conceptualise and coordinate related strategic initiatives relating to mobilising grants, donations and sponsorships.
• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners nationally and internationally.
• Take the library further into new and emerging digital scholarship technologies to support research, teaching and learning in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
• Ensure sustained excellence of community engagement.
• Promote library services and resources through coordinated marketing interventions.
• Promote the library and university in broader national and international contexts.
• Oversee staff development and management, including retention and recruitment.
• Ensure high‑quality divisional governance, administration and systems functioning.
• Ensure the effective and efficient management and utilisation of the division’s finances and resources.
• Respond to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) research and innovation‑related policy documents, draft proposals and reports, and initiate policy.
• Manage risks within the portfolio.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• A PhD Degree (NQF 10) or equivalent in the relevant field.
• At least 10 years of demonstrable experience in a senior leadership position.
• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature and a sound understanding of the current national and international research innovation and academic landscape.
• Substantive leadership stature with an excellent reputation supported by senior academic and/or administrative experience.
• In‑depth understanding of current national and international debates around library administration and related approaches, or in‑depth understanding of current debates on teaching, learning and research in higher education.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge insights and vision to support the academic community and leadership within the university to provide best practices and state‑of‑the‑art library‑related practices.
• Sound knowledge and vision of the higher education sector nationally, regionally and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners nationally and internationally.
• A proven track record of participation and leadership on both national and international library or research committees, boards, advisory boards, consortia or leadership groups.
• Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all levels and in staff recruitment, mentorship and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.

Competencies (Technical Skills and Behavioral Attributes) required

• Ability to use technology to improve efficiency and attainment of the university’s strategic goals.
• The ability to professionally manage, motivate and display individual leadership qualities.
• A high level of financial and numerical acumen.
• The ability to ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning.
• The ability to develop and maintain good networks.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.
• The ability to promote sustained excellence and manage risks within the portfolio.
• Ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills on a verbal and written basis as well as executive level.
• Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on higher education and society.
• Understanding and commitment to the university’s values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.

Recommendation

• Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association.
• Experience in a university or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.
• Experience in process modernisation and transformation.

Terms of appointment

The position of Executive Director is a 5‑year contract appointment with an executive‑level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further two terms of office subject to performance.

Retirement Age

The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a full 5‑year term.

Application Process

To apply please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e‑mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees should accompany applications.

Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: emailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe.

Key Skills

Anti Money Laundering, Design Engineering, Lounge, Information Management, Deputy

Employment Type

Contract

Experiences

Years

Vacancy

1