23 Dean jobs in South Africa

Reference: TWE000956-MMA-1 Join this esteemed private tertiary college. Duties & Responsibilities Experience in senior or strategic education management or academic leadership. Experience in senior and/or strategic education management role(s) in (Private) Higher Education. Must have a Ph D. Package & Remuneration R 800 000 - R 1 000 000. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Reference: TWE000956-MMA-1 Join this esteemed private tertiary college. Duties & Responsibilities Experience in senior or strategic education management or academic leadership. Experience in senior and/or strategic education management role(s) in (Private) Higher Education. Must have a Ph D. Package & Remuneration R 800 000 - R 1 000 000. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Reference: TWE000956-MMA-1

Join this esteemed private tertiary college.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Experience in senior or strategic education management or academic leadership.
2. Experience in senior and/or strategic education management role(s) in (Private) Higher Education.
3. Must have a PhD.

Package & Remuneration

R 800,000 - R 1,000,000.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

These jobs were popular with other job seekers Reference: TWE000956-MMA-1 Join this esteemed private tertiary esteemed college Duties & Responsibilities Experience in senior or strategic education management or academic leadership Experience in senior and/ or strategic education management role(s) in (Private) Higher Education Must have a PHD Package & Remuneration R 800 000 - R 1000 These jobs were popular with other job seekers
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Reference: TWE000956-MMA-1 Join this esteemed private tertiary college. Duties & Responsibilities Experience in senior or strategic education management or academic leadership. Experience in senior and/or strategic education management role(s) in (Private) Higher Education. Must have a Ph D. Package & Remuneration R 800,000 - R 1,000,000. #J-18808-Ljbffr

• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

(Five-year term with the possibility of reappointment for

another term)

Ref. AW00/102/0525

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research-intensive university where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff, and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world while enriching and transforming local, continental, and global communities.

Stellenbosch University’s strategic positioning, as articulated in the Vision 2040 (see: is anchored in providing a transformative student experience, promoting collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships, and inclusive networks for a thriving university and employer of choice.

The Faculty of AgriSciences is a leading academic environment that requires dynamic, innovative, and creative leadership for learning and teaching programmes, research, internationalisation, and social impact. The Faculty of AgriSciences hosts eleven departments and six research centres and institutes. More information on the Faculty is available on

Job Description

The Purpose of the Role:

The Dean of AgriSciences will provide visionary leadership to the Faculty, driving strategic direction through strategic management while fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. A key aspect of the role is leading change management initiatives to ensure the Faculty remains responsive to evolving academic, societal, and environmental demands. As a people-centric leader, the Dean will champion inclusivity, staff development, and student success, whilst cultivating strategic partnerships both locally and globally, and advancing long-term sustainability initiatives aligned with the institution’s goals and societal impact.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• PhD qualification in a discipline relevant to the Faculty of AgriSciences, and appointable at the level of Associate Professor / Professor in an academic department within the Faculty.
• At least five years’ senior management experience at Faculty and/or institutional level, and /or related industry context.
• Proven experience of strategic leadership and operational excellence in leading diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Proven experience to lead and manage change effectively, with a focus on fostering a people-centric environment that promotes inclusivity.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders at national and international levels.
• Evidence of promoting inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the agricultural sector and related industries.
• Comprehensive understanding of the higher education landscape.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic quality, innovation, and research significance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and liaison abilities, with the ability to engage and inspire students, academic staff, and professional support teams.
• Proven experience of promoting diversity and transformation, including the ability to function in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• Proven experience of fundraising or grant sourcing to support the core activities of academic success, with emphasis on one or more of the following areas: teaching and learning, research, innovation, social impact, and stakeholder engagement.

Application Requirement

Term of appointment: Five years with the possibility of reappointment for another term

Commencement of duties: 01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 07 July 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Candice Kenny on , or at

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process : Human Resources Client Services Centre on , or at

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A document in which candidates outline their vision of the Faculty’s future, as well as their contribution to such a future in the context of the University's Vision 2040.
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
• Certified copies of certificates.
• Details of at least three referees.

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to oblige. Candidates must be willing to work in Stellenbosch and be prepared to travel both nationally and internationally as required.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

Developed in collaboration with Higher Education South Africa - giving opportunity to South African institutions to reach South African Academics from anywhere on the globe.

Giving Back

Giving back to South African Higher Education through revenue sharing.

unitalentza Job Platform is an advanced job directory & listings application, made for South African Universities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

(Five-year term with the possibility of reappointment for

another term)

Ref. AW00/102/0525

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research-intensive university where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff, and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world while enriching and transforming local, continental, and global communities.

Stellenbosch University’s strategic positioning, as articulated in the Vision 2040 (see: is anchored in providing a transformative student experience, promoting collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships, and inclusive networks for a thriving university and employer of choice.

The Faculty of AgriSciences is a leading academic environment that requires dynamic, innovative, and creative leadership for learning and teaching programmes, research, internationalisation, and social impact. The Faculty of AgriSciences hosts eleven departments and six research centres and institutes. More information on the Faculty is available on

Job Description

The Purpose of the Role:

The Dean of AgriSciences will provide visionary leadership to the Faculty, driving strategic direction through strategic management while fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. A key aspect of the role is leading change management initiatives to ensure the Faculty remains responsive to evolving academic, societal, and environmental demands. As a people-centric leader, the Dean will champion inclusivity, staff development, and student success, whilst cultivating strategic partnerships both locally and globally, and advancing long-term sustainability initiatives aligned with the institution’s goals and societal impact.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• PhD qualification in a discipline relevant to the Faculty of AgriSciences, and appointable at the level of Associate Professor / Professor in an academic department within the Faculty.
• At least five years’ senior management experience at Faculty and/or institutional level, and /or related industry context.
• Proven experience of strategic leadership and operational excellence in leading diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Proven experience to lead and manage change effectively, with a focus on fostering a people-centric environment that promotes inclusivity.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders at national and international levels.
• Evidence of promoting inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the agricultural sector and related industries.
• Comprehensive understanding of the higher education landscape.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic quality, innovation, and research significance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and liaison abilities, with the ability to engage and inspire students, academic staff, and professional support teams.
• Proven experience of promoting diversity and transformation, including the ability to function in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• Proven experience of fundraising or grant sourcing to support the core activities of academic success, with emphasis on one or more of the following areas: teaching and learning, research, innovation, social impact, and stakeholder engagement.

Application Requirement

Term of appointment: Five years with the possibility of reappointment for another term

Commencement of duties: 01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 07 July 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Candice Kenny on , or at

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process : Human Resources Client Services Centre on , or at

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A document in which candidates outline their vision of the Faculty’s future, as well as their contribution to such a future in the context of the University's Vision 2040.
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
• Certified copies of certificates.
• Details of at least three referees.

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to oblige. Candidates must be willing to work in Stellenbosch and be prepared to travel both nationally and internationally as required.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

Developed in collaboration with Higher Education South Africa - giving opportunity to South African institutions to reach South African Academics from anywhere on the globe.

Giving Back

Giving back to South African Higher Education through revenue sharing.

unitalentza Job Platform is an advanced job directory & listings application, made for South African Universities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Type of engagement: Permanent appointment (Five-year term with the possibility of reappointment for another term) Ref. AW00/102/0525 Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research-intensive university where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff, and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world while enriching and transforming local, continental, and global communities. Stellenbosch University’s strategic positioning, as articulated in the Vision 2040 (see: is anchored in providing a transformative student experience, promoting collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships, and inclusive networks for a thriving university and employer of choice. The Faculty of Agri Sciences is a leading academic environment that requires dynamic, innovative, and creative leadership for learning and teaching programmes, research, internationalisation, and social impact. The Faculty of Agri Sciences hosts eleven departments and six research centres and institutes. More information on the Faculty is available on Job Description The Purpose of the Role: The Dean of Agri Sciences will provide visionary leadership to the Faculty, driving strategic direction through strategic management while fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. A key aspect of the role is leading change management initiatives to ensure the Faculty remains responsive to evolving academic, societal, and environmental demands. As a people-centric leader, the Dean will champion inclusivity, staff development, and student success, whilst cultivating strategic partnerships both locally and globally, and advancing long-term sustainability initiatives aligned with the institution’s goals and societal impact. Inherent Criteria Requirements: Ph D qualification in a discipline relevant to the Faculty of Agri Sciences, and appointable at the level of Associate Professor / Professor in an academic department within the Faculty. At least five years’ senior management experience at Faculty and/or institutional level, and /or related industry context. Proven experience of strategic leadership and operational excellence in leading diverse teams to achieve shared objectives. Proven experience to lead and manage change effectively, with a focus on fostering a people-centric environment that promotes inclusivity. Proven experience in building and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders at national and international levels. Evidence of promoting inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations. Demonstrated understanding of the agricultural sector and related industries. Comprehensive understanding of the higher education landscape. Demonstrated commitment to academic quality, innovation, and research significance. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and liaison abilities, with the ability to engage and inspire students, academic staff, and professional support teams. Proven experience of promoting diversity and transformation, including the ability to function in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Proven experience of fundraising or grant sourcing to support the core activities of academic success, with emphasis on one or more of the following areas: teaching and learning, research, innovation, social impact, and stakeholder engagement. Application Requirement Term of appointment: Five years with the possibility of reappointment for another term Commencement of duties: 01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter Closing date: 07 July 2025 Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Candice Kenny on , or at Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process : Human Resources Client Services Centre on , or at Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW): A document in which candidates outline their vision of the Faculty’s future, as well as their contribution to such a future in the context of the University's Vision 2040. Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship. An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed. Certified copies of certificates. Details of at least three referees. Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments and should therefore be willing to oblige. Candidates must be willing to work in Stellenbosch and be prepared to travel both nationally and internationally as required. The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates. The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate. About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University. Developed in collaboration with Higher Education South Africa - giving opportunity to South African institutions to reach South African Academics from anywhere on the globe. Giving Back Giving back to South African Higher Education through revenue sharing. unitalentza Job Platform is an advanced job directory & listings application, made for South African Universities. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The purpose of this position is to provide strategic leadership for the Faculty of Theology, driving the achievement of its academic, research, innovation, and community engagement goals. The Executive Dean is responsible for implementing the faculty’s strategic plan, managing people, and overseeing finances, while ensuring academic quality and standards and enhancing the student learning experience. Responsible for the steering of the faculty that has a footprint on all three campuses as well as online offerings. This role plays a critical part in shaping the faculty’s direction, promoting excellence, and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development

• Develop faculty strategy and implement the NWU strategy within the faculty, taking into account its multi-campus nature and national imperatives.
• Co-determine and be jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the NWU Teaching and Learning Strategy and the Research and Innovation Strategy.
• Co-determine, develop, and be jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the overall NWU Strategy.
  
  

Teaching and Learning

• Lead and direct teaching and learning practices, processes, and competencies that achieve academic excellence as well as teaching and learning innovation.
• Provide support for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to promote teaching and learning innovation.
• Continuously renew and deliver a socially responsive curriculum and programmes that are congruent with national imperatives.
• Lead and direct effective academic planning and enrolment planning to deliver flagship programmes that provide a competitive advantage to the NWU.
• Ensure alignment of academic programmes with modes of delivery on all campuses.
• Lead initiatives for quality assurance of academic programmes to ensure academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience.
• Ensure professional qualifications meet the minimum standards set by professional bodies.
• Direct the integration of research outputs into teaching and learning to enhance professional qualifications and graduate employability.
• Ensure that curricula address future needs of the world of work and consider Gen AI implications on the future of teaching and learning.
  
  

Research and Innovation

• Establish and maintain a research environment and support infrastructure enabling world-class research.
• Implement inter- and transdisciplinary research that differentiates the NWU nationally and internationally.
• Lead, direct, and participate in national and international collaborations addressing NWU niche research areas.
• Ensure research outputs are of notable international profile and impact.
• Coordinate research and innovation appropriately around agreed research themes, focusing on national and international imperatives.
• Lead and direct fundamental research, applied research, research in application, curiosity-driven research, blue-sky research, and directed research.
• Facilitate differentiation and third-stream revenue generation through innovation and commercialisation.
• Develop and implement the faculty’s research and innovation strategy aligned with the university’s vision.
• Foster a research culture of excellence, collaboration, and ethical conduct.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the faculty's research profile nationally and internationally.
• Increase the quantity and quality of research publications in high-impact, accredited journals.
• Drive interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects.
• Monitor and report on research performance metrics (e.g., NRF ratings, citation indices, research income).
• Secure external research funding through national and international grants, partnerships, and industry collaboration.
• Promote innovation, patents, and commercialisation of research outputs.
• Develop partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs for technology transfer and applied research.
• Lead engagement with research councils, innovation agencies, and donors.
• Set and evaluate KPIs for departments and research units within the faculty.
• Use data to inform research planning and resource allocation.
  
  

Community Engagement

• Lead and direct community engagement initiatives that are integrated with teaching and learning as well as research.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives with joint accountability.
  
  

External Strategic Relationships

• Collaborate in aspects of funding, professional recognition, academic development, employment, and research opportunity realisation through effective local and international relationships with peers, higher education institutions, the research community, industry, professional bodies, and the community.
• Position and promote the NWU brand through joint accountability and effective relationships with national and local government, the community, industry, students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Resource Management and Optimisation

• Lead the strategic planning and allocation of financial and human resources within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with university goals and priorities.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the division’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and optimal use of resources.
• Manage the recruitment, development, and retention of staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports staff growth and performance.
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the division through effective financial planning, risk management, and the mobilisation of additional resources.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in all resource management activities, maintaining transparency and integrity.
• Design, utilise, and evaluate processes and systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A doctoral degree in Theology (NQF level 10).
• Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks.
• Professional registration where applicable.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ senior management experience.
• Specialist teaching and learning or research experience.
• Significant experience in higher education.
  
  

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of the South African Higher Education environment.
• Strategic and Visionary Leadership.
• Analytic thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Quality Management.
• Financial acumen and resource management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in using modern office software, digital tools, and online platforms to enhance productivity and efficiency in daily tasks and decision-making.
  
  

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to adjust strategies and approaches in response to changing circumstances and emerging trends in education.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, based on thorough analysis and consideration of various factors impacting the higher education sector.
• Understanding and respect for diverse perspectives ability to integrate the ideas of others.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a senior leadership team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to institutional challenges.
• Commitment to ethical standards and practices, promoting integrity and transparency in all aspects of teaching and learning.
  
  

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Linda Du Plessis on

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr Esrom Phungo on

CLOSING DATE: 5 September 2025

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here #J-18808-Ljbffr