Readvertisement: Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19)

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,476,000 - 1,804,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University in South Africa seeks a Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19) to lead and advance the university's community engagement mission. You will foster reciprocal partnerships, guide teaching and research activities, supervise postgraduate students, and develop strategies for social justice and sustainable development.

The role requires strategic leadership, fundraising capability, and a track record in community development.

Qualifications

• Lead the strategic direction and advancement of community engagement.
• Proven leadership and management at senior level (≥4 years).
• Implement community engagement strategies via partnerships that drive inclusive development.
• Fundraising ability, including writing proposals and managing donors.
• Teach, publish academically and supervise postgraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the university's community engagement mission.
• Develop and promote reciprocal, ethical, knowledge-driven partnerships with communities.
• Maintain an active research program and contribute to teaching in relevant programmes.
• Provide intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a field.
• Manage budgets and financial aspects of the function.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Teaching

Research & publications

Budgeting

Job description

Readvertisement: Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19)

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (GRADE 19)

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Main Objectives

The role of the Director of Community Engagement is to provide visionary and strategic leadership for the University's community engagement mission and to position community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning, and research, while promoting social justice, sustainable development, and societal impact. The Director champions a university-wide culture of community engagement by developing institutional strategies to promote reciprocal, ethical, mutually beneficial and knowledge-driven partnerships with diverse communities.

The Director maintains an active programme of research in the scholarship of community engagement, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, supervises postgraduate students, contributes to teaching in relevant academic programmes, and provides intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice.

The Job Requirements

• Leading and formulating the strategic direction and advancement of community engagement/community development.
• At least 4 years of leadership and management experience at a senior level.
• Proven ability to implement community engagement strategy through community-university partnerships that drive equitable and inclusive development whilst also contributing to the holistic development of students.
• Fundraising experience, including the ability to write fundraising proposals and manage donors.
• An ability to teach/facilitate, write academically and a publication record.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of community development.
• Financial management, understanding and working with budgets.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector is an advantage.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 19):

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 1 640 255

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted.

Closing Date: 11 November 2026

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. Please note that all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are: Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.