Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor's vision of "Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa."
Job description
The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of the leading faculties of the University of Johannesburg. It is a leading contributor to the provision of high-quality graduates in a number of the Health Sciences domains, allowing registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Nursing Council, and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. The faculty is an essential driver for enabling the University to position itself in the Fourth Industrial Revolution within the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of South Africa and the continent. The faculty has world-class facilities, and hosts a South African Medical Research Council research unit, research centres focused on relevant and impactful research, and a South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit, while the establishment of a medical school is at an advanced stage.
Read more about the Faculty of Health Sciences at: https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/health-sciences/
The University is seeking to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader of high professional and academic standing as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Reporting to both the Deputy Vice-Chancellors of Academic, and Research & Internationalisation, the Executive Dean is a member of the UJ Executive Leadership Group (ELG) and is responsible for shaping, leading, and delivering world-class, transformative and inter professional education, professional development, and postgraduate programmes, coupled with a strong focus on research with impact.
The Executive Dean has strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the faculty and is expected to effectively and collegially steward the faculty to achieve sustainable excellence in all aspects of teaching, research, innovation, internationalisation, and community engagement.
The Executive Dean will be expected to:
- Determine, articulate, implement and lead faculty-based strategic initiatives to enhance the UJ's reputation and performance in accordance with its 2025 Strategic Objectives, viz. attaining Global Excellence and Stature (GES) in the context of decolonisation, 4IR and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In other words, a strong commitment to delivering on the university's strategic plan.
- Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the faculty's academic programmes across academic departments and disciplines.
- Develop and deepen excellence and innovation in learning and teaching, including online/blended learning pedagogy, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and Academic Citizenship and Leadership.
- Promote and advance excellence in research and innovation - both in quality and quantity.
- Implement policies and develop resources that promote and enhance the research as well as the learning and teaching capacity and capabilities of the faculty, including raising funds in support of research and learning and teaching, and continuous education.
- Oversee an effective, competitive, and responsive Programme Qualification Mix, including joint programmes with international peer universities.
- Ensure the highest level of faculty's governance, administration and systems functioning, including enrolment planning, management of the students' academic life cycle and risk management.
- Develop and implement relevant online, inbound/outbound/virtual and/or joint academic programmes.
- Effectively manage academic, administrative, and professional support staff, including staff recruitment, development and retention.
- Ensure effective and efficient management of the faculty's research centres, finances, subsidies, and other resources.
- Promote the reputation and standing of the faculty within the health sector, and generally in broader civil society, industry, and government.
- Strengthen relationships with the public and private sectors, and in particular with professional societies/councils, departments of education, and academic partners in South Africa and internationally.
- Develop and maintain meaningful relationships between the faculty's alumni and their alma mater.
Minimum requirements
- Substantial academic stature commensurate with an appointment at Professorial level, with a PhD or equivalent qualification.
- An excellent academic reputation is evidenced by a sustained record of research output.
- Excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insight, and vision regarding the teaching profession, nationally and internationally.
- Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, along with the ability to develop and maintain collaborative networks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent conflict management and administrative skills.
- Exceptional ability, emotional intelligence, and resilience to function under pressure.
- Unquestionable professional integrity and stature.
Recommendations:
- Where applicable professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body.
- Rating with the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa or the potential for rating within a one/two-year period.
Terms of appointment:
The position of Executive Dean, which is subject to a compulsory probation period of 12 months, is a 5-year contract appointment, with an Executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further term of office, subject to performance.
Retirement Age:
The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term.
Application:
To apply, submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least (3) three traceable and credible referees must be included.
Applications must be marked "Confidential" and addressed to the Executive Director: Human Capital Management and e-mailed to Ms B Dumezweni at email: [email protected]