University Chief Executive & Strategic Leader

Academic Partners; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University in Makhanda seeks a visionary leader to serve as principal executive and accounting officer, guiding strategic direction and governance. You will chair Senate, work with the Council, and oversee day-to-day operations and disciplinary matters to sustain excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.

The role demands a PhD and a strong record of senior leadership in higher education, with capabilities in planning, funding, transformation and external relations.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Senior leadership in higher education with a proven track record.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation at institutional level.
• Demonstrated ability in research leadership and securing funding.
• Experience in financial management and sustainability.
• Commitment to transformation, equity and institutional culture change.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and external relations.
• Knowledge of higher education governance and compliance.
• Proven leadership of complex, multi-functional organisations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal, chief executive, and accounting officer of the University.
• Perform functions of the Chancellor in their absence.
• Chair the Senate and serve on Council and Senate committees.
• Manage day-to-day administration and operations of the University.
• Act as chief disciplinary authority for employee and student disciplinary matters.
• Develop and implement long-term institutional vision and strategic plan.
• Define the University’s identity and distinctive contribution within the national system.
• Build and sustain a high-calibre executive team with clear delegations.
• Work with Council Chairperson and members, advising fully and timeously.
• Ensure compliance with Higher Education Act, Institutional Statute and King IV.
• Maintain risk management, internal audit and internal control systems.
• Lead institutional crisis response with candour and decisiveness.
• Ensure financial sustainability through balanced budgets and debt management.
• Lead fundraising and development of third-stream income.
• Oversee infrastructure maintenance and security.
• Promote teaching and learning access, retention and throughput.
• Uphold academic freedom and drive curriculum renewal and accreditation.
• Foster research integrity and encourage innovation.
• Position the University as an engaged institution with communities.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Strategic planning experience

Research leadership

Funding acquisition

Financial management

Transformation and equity

Stakeholder engagement

Governance and compliance

Leadership of multi-functional orgs

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Rhodes University in Makhanda seeks a visionary leader to serve as principal executive and accounting officer, guiding strategic direction and governance. You will chair Senate, work with the Council, and oversee day-to-day operations and disciplinary matters to sustain excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.

The role demands a PhD and a strong record of senior leadership in higher education, with capabilities in planning, funding, transformation and external relations.