Job Summary
The Head of Faculty provides strategic leadership and comprehensive management for the Faculty of Commerce. This role encompasses ensuring academic excellence fostering a research-driven environment and maintaining compliance with regulatory bodies. The Head of Faculty is responsible for the effective management of staff programmes and resources as well as contributing to the institutions strategic planning and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Main Purpose of the Job
The Head of Faculty is pivotal in shaping and delivering high-quality education within the Faculty. This role involves providing academic leadership overseeing faculty operations and ensuring the development of students and staff. The responsibilities include strategic planning curriculum development quality assurance and maintaining alignment with institutional policies industry standards and regulatory requirements set by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The incumbent contributes to the professional development of staff promotes research and scholarship and ensures a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs)
The following are the primary areas of responsibility and their estimated percentage of time:
1. Faculty Management (20%)
2. Academic Governance and Compliance (15%)
3. Research and Scholarship (5%)
4. Programme Development and Quality Assurance (15%)
5. Examination and Assessment Oversight (10%)
6. Independent Contractors (IC) Management (5%)
7. Administrative Leadership and Strategic Planning (10%)
8. Student Support and Engagement (10%)
9. Ad Hoc Responsibilities (10%)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Faculty Management (20%)
Provide strategic leadership and overall management for the Faculty.
Oversee the recruitment development and performance of academic staff ensuring ongoing professional growth and fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Ensure that all academic programmes align with institutional goals promoting excellence in teaching learning and research.
Manage Programme Coordinators WIL Coordinators and Administrators to ensure effective implementation and coordination of all Faculty programmes.
Foster collaboration and effective communication within the Faculty and across the institution.
Manage faculty resources including budgets facilities and equipment ensuring efficient and effective utilisation.
Drive and manage the verification of graduands by the Faculty.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Faculty.
2. Academic Governance and Compliance (15%)
Ensure the Facultys compliance with all CHE DHET and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) regulatory requirements.
Participate in academic governance structures including Senate Programme Review Committees and other institutional academic governance bodies.
Lead and manage accreditation and reaccreditation processes for all programmes under the Faculty ensuring adherence to national standards.
Prepare and submit reports and documentation required by regulatory bodies in a timely manner.
Develop and implement faculty policies and procedures that align with institutional and regulatory frameworks.
Ensure that all academic activities adhere to ethical standards and academic integrity.
3. Research and Scholarship (5%)
Foster a research-driven culture within the Faculty encouraging academic staff to engage in research publication and scholarly activities.
Oversee research outputs and ensure that academic staff contribute to the institutions research objectives while supporting them in securing research funding.
Encourage and facilitate participation in academic conferences symposia and other professional development activities.
Promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration within the Faculty and across the institution.
Ensure research activities comply with ethical guidelines and institutional policies.
4. Programme Development and Quality Assurance (15%)
Co-lead the development implementation and review of academic programmes ensuring alignment with industry needs and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the continuous quality improvement of academic programmes through periodic reviews student feedback and stakeholder input.
Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory quality assurance policies including programme reviews external moderation and assessment practices.
Work closely with the Quality Assurance Directorate to implement and monitor quality control systems.
Analyse and utilise data to inform programme development and improvement.
Ensure that programmes incorporate innovative teaching and learning methodologies including the effective use of technology.
5. Examination and Assessment Oversight (10%)
Ensure that examination policies procedures and schedules are adhered to across all programmes.
Oversee the integrity and security of all assessments examinations and student records.
Collaborate with Programme Coordinators to ensure effective management of the assessment process and timely submission of results.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of assessment practices and implement improvements as needed.
Ensure that assessment methods are fair valid and reliable.
6. Independent Contractors/ Part-time Staff Management (5%)
Manage contractual agreements and oversee the work of Independent Contractors within the Faculty.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies regarding contractual obligations accurate record-keeping and timely claims processing.
Recruit and select qualified Independent Contractors.
Monitor the performance and quality of work of Independent Contractors.
Facilitate communication and collaboration between Independent Contractors and the Faculty.
7. Administrative Leadership and Strategic Planning (10%)
Contribute to the institutions strategic planning processes specifically relating to the Faculty.
Ensure effective management of Faculty resources including budgeting financial planning and resource allocation in alignment with the Facultys operational plan.
Develop and implement Faculty-specific strategies that align with institutional goals contributing to institutional growth and sustainability.
Prepare and present reports on Faculty performance and strategic initiatives to the Chief Academic Officer.
Identify and pursue opportunities for Faculty development and expansion.
8. Student Support and Engagement (10%)
Ensure that adequate support systems are in place to enhance the student experience both academically and through extracurricular activities.
Proactively address student concerns providing guidance on academic issues and ensuring timely resolution of complaints.
Promote student engagement in research academic forums and other scholarly activities.
Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of student support services and implement improvements as needed.
9. Ad Hoc Responsibilities
Serve as a key member of various academic governance committees including but not limited to Senate Teaching and Learning Committee and the Examination Board of Governors.
Provide leadership in strategic ad hoc projects as requested by the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) contributing to the institutions overall academic and operational success.
Ensure ongoing compliance with institutional and external regulatory policies through effective leadership of internal audits policy reviews and academic governance.
Represent the Faculty at institutional events and meetings.
Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer.
Requirements
Qualifications
A Doctoral degree in a related commerce field.
A proven record as a subject matter expert in the field of expertise.
Membership of a professional body related to the field of expertise will be an advantage.
Experience
Minimum of 3 years experience in an academic leadership role within a higher education institution.
Substantial experience in programme management curriculum development and quality assurance within the Faculty.
Demonstrated experience in research leadership and academic scholarship.
Experience in distance learning and online education is preferred.
Skills and Competencies
a) Leadership and Management
Strong ability to lead manage and coordinate academic programmes and faculty effectively.
b) Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with diverse audiences and foster a collaborative academic environment.
c) Problem Solving
Ability to resolve complex issues and challenges with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
d) Technology Proficiency
Skilled in the use of learning management systems Microsoft Office Suite and online collaboration tools.
e) Compliance and Policy Awareness
Comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation regulations and institutional policies in a higher education setting.
f) Strategic Thinking
Ability to contribute to strategic planning and implement strategic initiatives.
g) Financial Management
Ability to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.
h) Interpersonal Skills
Ability to build strong relationships with staff students and external stakeholders.
i) Organisational Skills
High level of accuracy attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
1. Faculty Management (20%)
I. Strategic Leadership- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Faculty.
II. Staff Development - Oversee the recruitment development and performance management of academic staff.
III. Programme Alignment - Ensure all programmes align with institutional goals and promote academic excellence.
2. Academic Governance and Compliance (15%)
I. Regulatory Compliance - Ensure the Faculty complies with all CHE DHET and SAQA requirements.
II. Accreditation - Lead and manage accreditation and reaccreditation processes.
III. Reporting - Prepare and submit necessary reports to regulatory bodies.
3. Research and Scholarship (5%)
I. Research Culture - Foster a research-driven culture and support staff research activities.
II. Research Output - Oversee and promote research outputs and scholarly activities.
4. Programme Development and Quality Assurance (15%)
I. Programme Development - Lead the development implementation and review of academic programmes.
II. Quality Improvement - Oversee continuous quality improvement and ensure compliance with quality assurance policies.
5. Examination and Assessment Oversight (10%)
I. Policy Adherence - Ensure adherence to examination policies and procedures.
II. Integrity and Security - Oversee the integrity and security of assessments and examinations.
6. Independent Contractors /Part-time Lecturer Management (5%)
I. Contract Management - Manage contractual agreements and oversee the work of Independent Contractors.
II. Compliance - Ensure compliance with institutional policies regarding ICs/part-time lecturers.
7. Administrative Leadership and Strategic Planning (10%)
I. Strategic Planning - Contribute to institutional strategic planning processes.
II. Resource Management - Ensure effective management of Faculty resources.
8. Student Support and Engagement (10%)
I. Support Systems - Ensure adequate student support systems are in place.
II. Student Concerns - Address student concerns and promote student engagement.
9. Ad Hoc Responsibilities (10%)
I. Committee Participation - Serve on academic governance committees.
II. Ad Hoc Duties - Provide leadership in strategic ad hoc projects as requested by the Chief Academic Officer.
III. Policy Compliance - Ensure compliance with institutional and external regulatory policies.
Key Attributes
Adaptability to changing priorities and institutional needs.
Commitment to professional growth and ongoing learning.
Collaborative mindset with a willingness to work as part of a dynamic team.
a) Leadership and Management Strong ability to lead manage and coordinate academic programmes and faculty effectively. b) Communication Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with diverse audiences and foster a collaborative academic environment. c) Problem Solving Ability to resolve complex issues and challenges with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. d) Technology Proficiency Skilled in the use of learning management systems Microsoft Office Suite and online collaboration tools. e) Compliance and Policy Awareness Comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation regulations and institutional policies in a higher education setting. f) Strategic Thinking Ability to contribute to strategic planning and implement strategic initiatives. g) Financial Management Ability to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively. h) Interpersonal Skills Ability to build strong relationships with staff students and external stakeholders. i) Organisational Skills High level of accuracy attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
A Doctoral degree in a related commerce field.A proven record as a subject matter expert in the field of of a professional body related to the field of expertise will be an advantage.