Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is a dynamic public university located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa and occupies a distinctive and strategic position in South Africa’s higher education landscape. Guided by a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation, the University seeks to appoint an outstanding academic and proven leader to the position of Dean of the Faculty of Education. The successful candidate will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership to advance teaching and learning, research, and community engagement, while also playing a key role in resource mobilisation, fundraising initiatives, and effective financial management to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the faculty.

 Purpose
The purpose of the position is to take responsibility for the academic leadership and management of the faculty through the provision of high-quality technically advanced and cost-effective educational service in alignment with the strategic objectives of the University. The incumbent will report to the DVC: Teaching & Learning and serves on various institutional committees.

Minimum Requirements

• A Doctoral degree at NQF Level 10 in any discipline of Education,
• An outstanding academic with an established track record, 
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience (research/lecturing) in the tertiary education sector, of which five (5) years at the level of Head of an academic Department/School or the level of Deputy/Assistant Dean with a demonstrable track record in managing and running an academic department/faculty,
• A proven academic leader and scholar with a distinguished publication and research record that is widely recognised and respected across institutional, national, and international academic and professional communities.

The candidate should:

• Have a successful record of providing strong management, leadership and teamwork, 
• Have the ability to mobilize and inspire others toward shared goals,
• Understand the operations and affairs of a university environment,
• Understand institutional cultural transformation and organizational alignment, 
• Think strategically and operationalise plans and projects,
• Plan and manage budgets,
• Engage in fundraising activities.

Recommendations

Teaching and Learning: 

• Demonstrates a sound understanding of developments and emerging trends in the higher education sector in South Africa and internationally.

Research: 

• Knowledge of the research funding networks and opportunities in South Africa and abroad. 

Community Engagement 

• Experience in the integration of community engagement in the teaching and learning, research, and service delivery activities of an academic department. 

The successful applicant will be an outstanding academic with an established track record in the discipline of Education and will have a proven ability in the following key performance areas:

• Strategy Development and Execution
• Resource and Operations Management
• Policy and Procedure development
• Teaching, Learning, and Programme Development
• Research
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management
• Safety, health, and environmental management
• Resource Management: Human Resources; Budget and Finance
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Fundraising activities

The Dean will be part of the University’s Senior Management Team with a good understanding and knowledge of:

• The faculty and how it relates to the University,
• Current requirements of working at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa,
• Developments in the higher education sector, locally and abroad,
• Education, training, and development systems and strategies in a tertiary context, including quality assurance systems,
• Market developments relating to graduate demand
• Research promotion and demands, and manage postgraduate affairs of the faculty,
• Research funding networks and opportunities in SA and abroad,
• Professional developments and bodies relevant to the faculty,
• Integration of community engagement in teaching and learning, research, and service delivery activities of an academic department,
• SPU Strategic Plan.

The appointment will be made for a fixed term of five (5) years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second five-year term, subject to the incumbent’s performance in the role and institutional processes. Upon completion of the term, and if not reappointed, the incumbent may be considered for placement in an academic position within the Faculty of Education, commensurate with their academic rank, expertise, and qualifications. Applicants must hold a relevant PhD and meet the University’s requirements for academic appointment.

Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.