Head of School / Academic Director

Tailormade Solution; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A Private Higher Education Institution in Durban seeks an experienced Head of School / Academic Director to lead its academic strategy. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years in education leadership, focusing on accreditation, curriculum development, and quality assurance. The role involves providing strategic academic direction, overseeing compliance processes, and driving student success. This position offers a chance to impact and transform the institution's educational landscape positively.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape academic strategy

Collaborative and innovative environment

Qualifications

• Over 10 years’ experience in secondary or higher education leadership.
• Proven success in academic management, accreditation, and staff development.
• Strong understanding of digital learning and hybrid learning models.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and academic direction across all programmes.
• Lead accreditation and compliance processes.
• Oversee curriculum design and academic quality systems.

Skills

Educational leadership

Accreditation expertise

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Digital learning

LMS technologies

Education

MBA or relevant Master’s degree

Job description

Job Advert: Head of School / Academic Director

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of School / Academic Director to lead strategic academic operations, drive institutional growth, and ensure excellence in teaching and learning within our Private Higher Education Institution.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned education leader with a strong track record in accreditation, curriculum development, governance, and quality assurance, supported by extensive experience in higher education management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and academic direction across all programmes.
• Lead CHE, HEQC, DHET and SAQA accreditation and compliance processes.
• Oversee curriculum design, academic quality systems, and programme innovation.
• Drive student success through retention, throughput, and graduate outcome initiatives.
• Manage and develop academic staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Support institutional growth, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Build strong partnerships with industry, regulators, and community stakeholders.

Requirements

• MBA (preferred) plus a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Over 10 years’ experience in secondary or higher education leadership.
• Proven success in academic management, accreditation, staff development, and quality assurance.
• Strong understanding of digital learning, hybrid learning models, and LMS technologies.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and lead academic strategy at an expanding institution.
• Collaborative, innovative environment committed to excellence and transformation.