Head of School - School of Literature, Languages & Media

University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a Head for its School of Literature, Language and Media. The position requires a visionary leader with a PhD and senior academic standing, tasked with advancing teaching, research, and strategic growth within the School. Responsibilities include overseeing curriculum transformation and enhancing the school's academic profile globally. The role offers competitive remuneration based on experience.

Qualifications

• Strong record of teaching and research in literature, language or media.
• Demonstrable track-record of leadership and management in a university.
• Proven ability to maintain international partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the School towards strategic goals.
• Steer the transformation of curriculum and staff.
• Grow the school's public profile and engage in research activities.

Skills

Academic and strategic leadership

Effective financial management

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD

Rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor

Job description

Brief Description

The Faculty of Humanities invites applications for the Headship of the School of literature, Language and Media. The appointment is for a fixed period of five years, though this period may be shortened by mutual agreement to no less than three years. The head should be available to take up the position as soon as possible, preferably by 1st January 2026.

The Head will lead the School in establishing and maintain a position of excellence. He/she will need vision and strong material skill and senior experience within a University. In order to command the respect and confidence of the School, the Head should also have standing as a researcher and an academic or professional. He or she would also be expected to continue to grow the Schools public events profile and support courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. In addition to steering the transformation of the curriculum and staff, it is expected that the incumbent will pay attention to potential areas of growth in the school, promote multilingualism, improve research productivity, and craft strategies for growth in postgraduate student numbers.

Job Requirements

Such an individual should be in possession of a PhD and is at the rank of either an Associate Professor or Full Professor; have a strong record of teaching and research in any of the literature, language and media disciplines and would be expected to retain a commitment to teaching and research in their discipline alongside the very considerable administrative responsibilities involved in leading the School. The individual should have a demonstrable track-record of academic and strategic leadership as well as hands-on management experience within a university. In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven record of effective financial and human resources management and possess excellent communication and inter-personal skills. There should be evidence of the candidate’s ability to maintain and extend the School’s existing international partnerships, and its engagements with the rest of Africa in the interests of enhancing the School’s academic and research profile. Finally, as the Head of School, the candidate in collaboration with the departments and research entities will be required to articulate a clear vision and set the direction of the School within the wider mission of the Faculty and University and to lead and manage the School in meeting its strategic goals. The successful candidate must provide academic and research leadership, by positioning the School appropriately in local, national, regional, and global contexts.

The remuneration will be appropriate to the seniority of the post and will be negotiated on an individual basis.

For further information ONLY regarding the School, the post and selection procedures, contact Professor Mucha Musemwa, Dean, at [e-mail]

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details