HEAD OF THE WITS ORIGINS CENTRE

University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious South African university seeks an experienced individual for the role of Academic Leadership at the Wits Origins Centre. The position involves leading academic projects, overseeing centre operations, and enhancing educational outreach while fostering partnerships and fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has a strong background in archaeology or a related field, coupled with leadership and fundraising skills. A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in staff management and strategic partnerships.
• Track record of producing high-impact multi-disciplinary research.
• Experience in teaching administration and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with relevant schools.
• Oversee management and operations of the Wits Origins Centre.
• Enhance public engagement and educational outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Research management

People management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent qualification

Job description

Academic Leadership of the Wits Origins Centre

• Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with the relevant schools, institutes and centers within the Faculty of Science and across the University.
• Some teaching and supervision of postgraduate students will be required.
• Foster and grow at least two to three new Origins research foci.
• Promote utilisation of the Wits Origins Centre for undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities.
• Develop cross‑disciplinary synergistic collaborations both internal and external to Wits, including with international partners.
• Apply innovative cross‑disciplinary approaches for the development of new research foci, academic courses, and museum exhibitions.
• Provide ongoing support for the progress of the new master’s in science communication course which was launched in 2025.
• Oversee and develop new research and postgraduate student fundraising initiatives.

Operational Management of the Wits Origins Centre

• Oversee the management and operations in line with university policies.
• Provide leadership and management guidance to staff.
• Take responsibility for sound financial management, including administration of finances for all research, innovation, postgraduate training, undergraduate teaching and public engagement and community outreach activities.
• Take accountability for the successful functioning of commercial activities such as the museum shop.
• Develop entrepreneurial programmes that contribute to the sustainability of the enterprise, including growth in the use of the museum as a venue for corporate and social events.
• Ensure the necessary marketing of the facility and development of stakeholder communication and engagement strategies that promote growth and build key partnerships, focusing on growing a meaningful relationship between Origins Centre and the City of Johannesburg.

Curation

• Overall leadership of Origins collections management, working with the curator on research and documentation, as well as exhibition planning and design.
• Ensure Origins compliance with legal and ethical standards in handling of artefacts and collections.
• Build collaborations with local, national and international museums, galleries and cultural institutions to share resources and collaborate on exhibitions.
• Promote Origins engagement with the public including through enhanced virtual exhibitions and interactive displays, talks, tourism and community outreach.

Education and Science Communication

• Oversee the management and development of science communication content on site, including tour guide training, temporary and permanent exhibit development and upgrades.
• Expand learner engagement by facilitating new and exciting education outreach programmes, working with partners across the education, museum, heritage and tourism sectors.
• Oversee and develop new science communication and education fundraising initiatives.
• Enhance access to and promote academic tourism at Origins.

Qualifications, Experience and Remuneration

A PhD or equivalent qualification at the competency of Senior Lecturer level, with a background in archaeology, or a related field, and some museum experience. The successful candidate will be a people‑centered leader, with demonstrable experience in staff management, an ability to nurture strategic relationships and partnerships and raise funds. They will have a track record of producing high‑impact multi‑disciplinary research; experience of working within and leading research teams; have undertaken teaching administration and development of learning materials and curricula; post‑graduate supervision experience; and demonstrated contributions made by the candidate to the broad university environment. They will be required to produce original scientific research in their discipline and have some experience in science communication. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with the knowledge and experience required to head the Wits Origins Centre.