DEAN: FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
(5-year contract with the possibility of being extended)
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic institution that is cognisant of the volatile, uncertain, complex, ever-changing and challenging global environment. The University actively responds, in critical and creative ways, to the developmental needs of the local, national and international context.
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is one of the leading faculties in the arts and the humanities in South Africa. Its thirteen departments and four research centres have considerable national and international recognition and are at the forefront of debates in the humanities, languages and social sciences in a transforming society. The Faculty produces world-class research, hosts four Research Chairs, and is well-networked with leading universities globally. Characterised by innovative, creative, and award-winning learning, teaching, and research, the Faculty also has a long-established commitment to working with communities in ways that promote social justice and contribute to broader processes of social transformation. It offers a range of specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that capacitate and educate students across multiple disciplines.
The Dean is a member of the University’s Senior Management team and will be directly accountable to the Deputy Vice Chancellors: Academic and Research & Innovation. As the head of the Faculty and as an academic and administrative leader, the Dean is responsible for strategically positioning the Faculty and pursuing the Faculty’s strategic goals as per the University’s Institutional Operating Plan.
The Dean will lead the Faculty while ensuring it fulfils UWC’s mission, especially in meaningful transformation. The Dean is responsible for forging links with relevant industries, donors, funders and government; implementing learning and teaching strategies in the Faculty to ensure the overarching planning, development, innovation, continuity, and amendments to academic programmes to provide quality educational outcomes and financial viability; leading and guiding the research and innovation programs of the Faculty; implementing all of the Faculty’s policies and associated strategies; and ensuring implementation of the Framework for the Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact and any other institutional policies and frameworks. The Dean further oversees the Faculty’s student enrolment processes to attract and retain students as per UWC’s enrolment targets.
Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Arts & Humanities or a relevant professional discipline. They must possess senior academic leadership experience and be appointable, at a minimum, at the level of Associate Professor or its equivalent. A strong track record of research outputs, including publication in recognised journals/books; learning and teaching; fundraising and stakeholder engagement; research and community engagement; and successful postgraduate supervision, is critical for this position. Candidates should also have extensive knowledge of the current issues in Higher Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Policy Framework on the Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa. As the leader of the Faculty’s research agenda, a prospective Dean must be recognised as a researcher of high academic standing. It would be advantageous if a candidate qualifies for NRF-rating.
Key competencies for this role are: Visionary and dynamic leadership and management experience, demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, experience in fostering partnerships and stakeholder relationships at all levels, demonstrated commitment to social justice and transformation, as well as the ability to nurture and develop staff.
Application Process: For any further information related to this application, please contact our Executive Director of Human Resources, Meko Ernest Magida, via email at Short-listed candidates will be required to make a presentation to the University community and later participate in an interview process led by the Senior Appointments Committee of the University Council.
Applications should be submitted online by 19 December 2024.
Note: This is a five-year contract with the possibility of it being extended for a second term. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The successful candidate is expected to serve a full term of 5 years that coincides with the official retirement age.
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