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
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.
Apply by: 5 September 2025
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