Position of vice-chancelor in South Africa, University of Johannesburg

University of Groningen; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Vice-Chancellor & Principal to lead a vibrant university in Johannesburg. This role demands an innovative leader with a PhD and extensive experience in academic administration, who can drive strategic initiatives and foster global excellence. The ideal candidate will inspire the university community, navigate the challenges of higher education, and promote transformative ideas in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. If you are passionate about education and ready to make a significant impact, this is your opportunity to lead a prestigious institution towards a brighter future.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in academic administration at an executive level.
• Proven resource, strategic, and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive and academic leadership to the university.
• Lead strategic initiatives and ensure financial sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Fundraising

People Management

Academic Administration

Networking

Education

PhD or equivalent

Postgraduate executive leadership qualification

Job description

Position of Vice-Chancellor in South Africa, University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan comprehensive university anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature. With an emphasis on innovative thinking and sustainable strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University has a strong emphasis on positioning UJ as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

VICE-CHANCELLOR & PRINCIPAL

(5) Five-year contract renewable subject to performance

The University seeks to appoint a dynamic, decisive, innovative, motivated, qualified, and accomplished leader of high professional and academic standing as the new Vice-Chancellor & Principal of the University of Johannesburg.

The primary responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor & Principal are to provide executive and academic leadership. The Vice-Chancellor & Principal is the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, as well as the Legal, Administrative and Academic Head of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor & Principal is accountable to the University Council and is assisted in the management and administration of the University by the members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC).

The Vice-Chancellor & Principal will be expected to, inter-alia:

• Determine, and articulate the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Lead the University’s strategic and executive initiatives per the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Advance global excellence and stature.
• Advance scholarship and innovation.
• Advance Pan-African thought and conversation by promoting 4IR initiatives, sustainable development goals, decolonisation, and metaverse initiatives.
• Build and strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure institutional compliance with the relevant statutory and regulatory framework in which the University functions.
• Oversee innovative staff development initiatives, including retention and recruitment.
• Ensure financial sustainability of the institution.
• Respond to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) regarding policy imperatives.
• Provide direction, support, and assistance to the Council on all governance issues and the institution’s business needs.

Requirements:

• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature, with a PhD (or equivalent) as a minimum academic qualification. A postgraduate executive leadership qualification would be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years experience as an academic, with academic administration experience at an executive level.
• Executive management experience at an academic institution of higher learning.
• Established and valuable local and international networks.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with the ability to lead institutional transformation and change effectively.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising external to the university environment.
• In-depth knowledge and a strategic understanding of the higher education environment and the challenges faced by universities in South Africa and internationally.
• An understanding of the 4IR and its impact on higher education and society.
• A well-respected leader who is able to inspire and motivate the UJ community.
• An ethical leader with outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.

Terms of appointment:

The position of Vice-Chancellor & Principal is a (5) five-year year contract appointment, with an executive level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for one further term of office subject to performance.

Retirement age:

The normal retirement age is 65 years. Consideration will be given to all candidates who would be able to serve for a (5) five-year term.

To apply, submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position. The name and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least (3) three traceable and credible references must be included.

Applications must be marked "Confidential" and addressed to the Executive Director: Human Capital Management, and emailed to Ms B Dumezweni at e-mail: [e-mail]