Executive Dean
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future. With a strategy focused on societal impact and sustainability, technology for the future, and global footprint and partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. Living the values of Impact, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Integrity, UJ transforms its students’ lives through quality education and unlocks the potential of its staff to thrive. Building on its 4IR strategy, UJ serves humanity
through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
AUCKLAND PARK KINGSWAY CAMPUS
EXECUTIVE DEAN: FACULTY OF LAW
(5-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)
Job description:
The Executive Dean: Faculty of Law is responsible for determining, articulating, implementing, and leading Faculty-based strategic initiatives to enhance the faculty’s reputation and performance following the University’s strategic objectives of attaining Global Excellence Stature in the context of decolonisation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Read more about the Faculty of Law at https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/law/.
The University seeks to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader with high professional and academic standing as the Executive Dean: Faculty of Law.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Deputy Vice-Chancellor:Research and Innovation, the Executive Dean is a member of the UJ Executive Leadership Group (ELG), and is responsible for shaping, leading and delivering world-class, transformative 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 of Law and is expected to effectively and collegially steward the faculty to achieve and grow sustainable excellence in all aspects of teaching, research, fund raising, innovation, community engagement and global engagement.
The Executive Dean will be expected to:
• Determine, articulate, implement and lead the Faculty of Law’s strategic initiatives to enhance the UJ’s reputation and performance in accordance with its Strategic Plan 2035 and its Global Excellence and Stature (GES) 4.0 for Societal Impact catalytic initiatives.
• Ensure effective and efficient delivery of the faculty’s academic programmes across academic departments and disciplines.
• Develop and deepen excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, 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 terms of quality and quantity.
• Empower the rest of the faculty leadership team to be able to translate and operationalise the Strategic Plan.
• Implement policies and develop resources that promote and enhance the research and education capacity and capabilities of the faculty, including raising funds, particularly from external sources, in support of these key
performance areas.
• Oversee an effective, competitive and responsive Programme Qualification Mix, including joint programmes with international peer universities.
• Ensure the highest level of faculty governance, administration, and systems functioning, including faculty enrolment planning, the 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 of Law in local, national,regional and global contexts.
• Strengthen relationships with the public and private sectors, professional
societies/councils, departments of education, and academic partners in South Africa and internationally.
• Develop and maintain meaningful relationships between the Faculty of Law’s alumni and their alma mater.
• Provide opportunities for academic and support staff to stay current with best practices and innovations in education.
Minimum requirements
• Substantial academic stature commensurate with an appointment at the professional level with a PhD or equivalent qualification/ LLD (NQF 10).
• Senior executive management experience at an academic institution and/ or within a division of a significant size and complexity.
• An excellent academic reputation evidenced by a sustained record of research output.
• Excellent strategic leadership skills, and excellent knowledge, insight, and vision regarding the teaching and legal profession in the context of the higher education sector both nationally and internationally.
• Proven resource, strategic, and people management, and the ability to develop and maintain collaborative networks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent conflict management and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment mentorship and development.
• Exceptional ability 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.
Enquiries:
Ms Kwinana, tel. (011) 559-2552
Email – [email protected]
Application:
To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.
Applications should be submitted via the UJ website:
https://jobs.uj.ac.za/ or e-mailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe – [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 07 OCTOBER 2024