Head Iv : Executive Education Programmes

University Of Johannesburg; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a Director for Executive Education. The ideal candidate will have significant management experience, an MBA or Master's degree, and a strong focus on executive education. Responsibilities include developing strategic plans, managing team dynamics, and ensuring compliance with HR processes. This position offers a market-related remuneration package.

Qualifications

• At least three to five years of experience in a director-level position.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with various stakeholders.
• Experience in budgeting and planning in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and appraise direct reports.
• Ensure compliance with HR systems and processes.
• Craft a strategic plan for Executive Education.

Skills

Management experience

Networking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

MBA or Master's degree (NQF 9)

Doctoral degree (NQF 10)

Job description

Advert reference: uj_

Position Summary: Industry – Education & Training; Category – Education and Training; Campus – Auckland Park Kingsway Campus; Contract – Permanent; Remuneration – Market related; EE position – EE Level – Management.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution. Read the bold UJ Strategic Plan, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and 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".

NOTE: In accordance with the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act (Act 13 of 2016), the University will assess all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome may impact employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and appraise direct reports: Programme Manager / Coordinator.
• In collaboration with the Programme Manager, oversee the fair and adequate distribution of resources across the programmes.
• Contribute to the recruitment process for staff and ensure adequate staffing to meet the operational needs of Executive Education.
• Ensure compliance with HR systems and processes; maintain personnel records, attend disciplinary procedures and manage conflict situations.
• Mentor / coach direct reports and associated project teams; assist with building and maintaining productive team dynamics.
• Implement LEAN management and continuous improvement of core processes by auditing critical functions and introducing new processes as necessary.
• Provide training where necessary.
• Craft a strategic plan for Executive Education aligned with the overall vision; revisit strategy regularly to adjust to marketplace demand, economic changes, and resources.
• Work with the Dean, EE team, and Finance Manager to maintain ongoing oversight of strategy and make necessary adjustments.
• Maintain overall responsibility for all academic administration processes and oversight of all EE processes and policies.
• Participate actively on school committees where applicable.
• Manage and maintain good relationships with EE faculty (internal and external), UJ and JBS departments, and clients.
• Ensure relevance of programme offerings over time by keeping abreast of student and client evaluations and changing needs.
• Stay informed of trends in management education nationally and internationally, advising clients on relevant offerings.
• Manage major student or client issues (e.g. plagiarism or client dissatisfaction) arising during programmes.
• Maintain contact with alumni and provide information about the latest news on Executive Education.
• Proactively follow up on new clients and maintain relationships with existing clients.
• Attend and present at relevant national and international conferences and external events.
• Sit on external committees when invited to understand external environment and advise appropriately.
• Remain abreast of national and international ratings surveys and participate in relevant surveys (FT and FM surveys).
• Review and adjust programme curricula in conjunction with Senior Director, EE Programme Team, clients, and relevant JBS faculty.
• Manage new and renew Service Level Agreements with clients.
• Compile the annual departmental budget in line with Executive Education's costing and pricing policies in collaboration with the Dean and Finance.
• Ensure maintenance of targeted margins by monitoring cost management in collaboration with the Programme Manager.
• Assist the Business Developer in meeting sales targets, lead generation, client presentations, and closing deals.
• Ensure profitability of offerings, making key decisions regarding new or non‑profitable offerings.
• Scrutinise quarterly reports from the Finance Manager for strategic programme decisions and budget planning.
• Monitor overhead expenditure with the Programme Manager and Finance to maintain profit margins.
• Monitor purchasing transactions.
• Work with the Marketing Manager and Marketing Team to develop a robust marketing strategy for Executive Education short courses.
• Interrogate marketing analytics for short courses and realign strategy as required.
• Attend key external events to market the Executive Education Department.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant MBA or Master's degree (NQF 9).
• At least three to five years of management experience in a director‑level position, ideally within higher education.
• Strong networks within the private and public sector.
• Knowledge and experience in executive education in Africa and beyond.
• Executive education design and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and think critically.
• Experience in Business School marketing and business development.
• Experience running programmes, workshops, and seminars.
• Networks in business, policy circles, and academia across Africa and global markets.
• Experience in budgeting and planning.
• A healthy publication record and research output spanning academia, applied research, and media.
• Exposure in Master's and Doctoral coordination.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, adaptable to a range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and multi‑tasking skills.
• Autonomous working style with personal drive, energy, and accountability for outcomes.
• Solid understanding of the higher education environment and adult learning principles.
• Excellent attention to detail while understanding the bigger picture and communicating it to senior staff and external stakeholders.
• Excellent delegation skills.
• Flexibility, tenacity, resilience, and assertiveness.
• People management.

Recommendations

• A relevant Doctoral degree (NQF 10).
• Previous lecturing experience.
• Experience as a researcher.
• Ability to undertake research that could be published in high‑quality academic journals.
• Commercial or corporate business experience (recommended).

Enquiries and Application Process

Enquiries regarding job content: Professor Adri Drotskie (Director) – contact details available upon request.

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Ms. Chandni Hira (HCM Business Partner) – contact details available upon request.

Applicants must submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and the names, full contact details (telephones and e‑mail addresses) of at least three traceable referees. Include a copy of highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies, and, if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of creative output.

Candidates may be subjected to psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

The University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and for those from historically disadvantaged groups.

As necessitated by operational requirements, the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response within 8 weeks of the closing date, you may assume your application was unsuccessful.