Academic head

Minimum qualifications and experience:

• Masters degree in Education or a relevant Engineering discipline; PhD preferred
• At least 5 years of senior academic management experience within South Africas higher education sector
• Demonstrated experience in strategic academic leadership, including curriculum development, programme management, and quality assurance
• In-depth knowledge of South Africas higher education system, regulatory frameworks, accreditation processes (CHE, DHET, ECSA), and quality assurance standards
• Proven ability to lead and develop academic teams, manage staff performance, and promote a culture of academic excellence

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Provide overall academic leadership, ensuring alignment with the institutions mission, vision, and regulatory requirements (CHE, DHET, ECSA).
• Lead the development and review of academic policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Ensure programmes are industry-aligned, compliant with NQF/HEQSF standards, and support clear articulation and progression pathways.
• Oversee the quality assurance and programme review functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while delegating day-to-day QA processes to the Quality Assurance Officer.
• Support and manage academic staff through recruitment, professional development, fair workload distribution, and performance management.
• Oversee student administration, academic advising, student support initiatives, performance monitoring, progression, and the management of appeals or misconduct cases.
• Provide support to lecturers in teaching delivery, academic administration, and student engagement.
• Act as the key liaison with regulatory bodies, professional associations, industry partners, and internal governance structures.
• Support marketing and recruitment initiatives for academic programmes.
• Prepare reports for management, committees, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead re-accreditation and audit preparations in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Manage academic budgets and resources effectively.
• Contribute to general campus administration, operational management, and broader management functions.
• Undertake ad hoc duties as required to support the institutions operations.