Principal: Academic Affairs

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal for a prestigious educational institution in Paarl, Western Cape. This on‑site, full‑time role leads academic affairs, shapes curricula, mentors faculty, and drives accreditation success to uphold teaching excellence.

The ideal candidate holds a Doctorate in Education with 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in higher education and a proven ability to manage budgets while advancing student achievement and institutional reputation.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Education or equivalent.
• At least 12 years of progressive academic leadership.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and faculty supervision.
• Strong knowledge of higher education pedagogy and administration.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with budgets and resources management.
• Experience with accreditation processes.
• Commitment to student success and academic integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for all academic programs and departments.
• Oversee development and implementation of innovative curricula and pedagogical strategies.
• Manage and mentor academic staff, fostering professional development and high performance.
• Ensure high‑quality teaching and learning experiences for all students.
• Lead accreditation processes and ensure compliance with standards.
• Develop and manage the academic budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Promote research and scholarly activities within the institution.
• Represent the institution’s academic interests to external stakeholders.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating campus environment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Curriculum development

Faculty supervision

Budget management

Accreditation knowledge

Education

Doctorate in Education

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious educational institution in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a visionary and highly experienced Principal to lead its academic affairs. This senior leadership position requires an individual with a proven track record in academic management, curriculum innovation, and faculty leadership. The Principal will be responsible for setting the academic vision, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning, and fostering a culture of excellence throughout the institution. This is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding role, offering the opportunity to shape the educational future of students in the Western Cape region. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional strategic planning abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to educational advancement. Working on‑site in Paarl, you will be at the heart of the institution, driving its academic mission forward. We seek a leader who can inspire staff, engage students, and maintain strong relationships with the wider educational community. This role demands full‑time dedication to the campus and its academic community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for all academic programs and departments.
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative curricula and pedagogical strategies.
• Manage and mentor academic staff, fostering professional development and high performance.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all students.
• Lead accreditation processes and maintain compliance with educational standards.
• Develop and manage the academic budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Promote research and scholarly activities within the institution.
• Represent the institution’s academic interests to external stakeholders.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating campus environment.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Education, a relevant academic field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in academic leadership and management within an educational institution.
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, faculty supervision, and strategic planning.
• Deep understanding of current trends and best practices in higher education pedagogy and administration.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets and resources effectively.
• Experience with quality assurance and accreditation processes.
• A strong commitment to academic integrity and student success.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• This on‑site role in Paarl, Western Cape, offers a unique opportunity to lead a respected academic institution and contribute significantly to its legacy.
• Join a distinguished team and drive academic excellence.