Dean: Johannesburg Business School

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by the bold UJ Strategic plan 5, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

AUCKLAND PARK KINGSWAY CAMPUS

Dean: Johannesburg Business School

(5-year contract renewable subject to performance)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) seeks to appoint an ethical, dynamic, vibrant and innovative academic/business/ industry leader with a commitment to business management and executive education across Africa to head its Johannesburg Business School (JBS).

The JBS is seeking a leader uniquely poised to play a dynamic role in the growth and regeneration of South Africa and the region, establishing a distinctive African footprint within a global, technology-driven, problem-solving business education paradigm.

Launched in 2017, JBS offers a competitive portfolio of executive education programmes, including a hybrid/blended MBA, a fully online MBA, executive education programmes and masterclasses. These programmes cater to the demand for practical, cutting-edge knowledge and skills in an increasingly globalized world shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and technological innovation. The Dean of the JBS will oversee a stimulating suite of offerings tailored for the needs of South Africa, Africa and the global community.

The School’s mandate includes executive education, leadership development, mentorship, and fostering entrepreneurship—particularly netpreneurship—to drive economic growth in South Africa and across the continent. With a future-focused lens, the JBS provides 21st-century business education across diverse sectors and interests. As a member of the University’s Executive Leadership Group, the Dean will contribute significantly to shaping, leading and delivering world-class, transformative education from the heart of South Africa’s business capital. In this role, the Dean will have strategic, managerial, operational and administrative oversight of all aspects of the JBS. The Dean will develop and lead an extraordinary team of academic and industry experts to achieve the School’s strategic goals, develop a reputation for innovation and creativity, and establish its presence as the Johannesburg Business School for Africa.

The Dean will be expected to:

• Provide high level leadership and oversee the effective governance and management of the JBS;
• Lead and support innovative research and technological advances in business/industry management practices;
• Promote the reputation and stature of the JBS as an agile institution within the global arena, and in broader civil society, industry and government;
• Continually innovate and develop cutting edge academic and continuous education professional programmes;
• Establish innovative and responsive teaching and learning approaches;
• Maintain oversight of the quality of all activities, programmes and projects of the JBS;
• Develop sustainable national and international collaborations with academia, business and industry, government and related agencies;
• Obtain international accreditations for the MBA and foster strong networks amongst other highly ranked business schools;
• Provide strategic managerial leadership to improve community engagement and entrepreneurial initiatives;
• Leverage external resources and grow third stream income and ensure financial sustainability of the JBS.

Minimum requirements

• Ph.D. / Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) in a related / relevant field.
• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature.
• Senior executive management experience (at least 10 years) at an academic institution and/or within a division of a significant size and complexity.
• Substantial experience with an excellent academic/professional record of accomplishment.
• Good standing and experience in the corporate / business / academic sectors.
• Demonstrated understanding of business education trends and developments both nationally and internationally, as well as knowledge of the higher education sector.
• An excellent academic reputation evidenced by a sustained record of research output.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insights, and vision to support the academic community and leadership in the University’s drive to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector – Research and innovation landscape – nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently

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 Dean: Johannesburg Business School, 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 Senior Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term.

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/

CLOSING DATE: 25 MAY 2025