Introduction<\/p>\n
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION<\/p>\n
\tThe 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.
\n\tThe Executive Dean is responsible for implementing the faculty\u2019s strategic plan, managing people, and overseeing finances, while ensuring academic quality and standards and enhancing the student learning experience.
\n\tResponsible for the steering of the faculty that has a footprint on all three campuses as well as online offerings.
\n\tThis role plays a critical part in shaping the faculty\u2019s direction, promoting excellence, and ensuring its long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n
JOB DESCRIPTION<\/p>\n
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:<\/p>\n
Strategy Development<\/p>\n
\tDevelop faculty strategy and implement the NWU strategy within the faculty, taking into account its multi-campus nature and national imperatives.
\n\tCo-determine and be jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the NWU Teaching and Learning Strategy and the Research and Innovation Strategy.
\n\tCo-determine, develop, and be jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the overall NWU Strategy.<\/p>\n
Teaching and Learning<\/p>\n
\tLead and direct teaching and learning practices, processes, and competencies that achieve academic excellence as well as teaching and learning innovation.
\n\tProvide support for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to promote teaching and learning innovation.
\n\tContinuously renew and deliver a socially responsive curriculum and programmes that are congruent with national imperatives.
\n\tLead and direct effective academic planning and enrolment planning to deliver flagship programmes that provide a competitive advantage to the NWU.
\n\tEnsure alignment of academic programmes with modes of delivery on all campuses.
\n\tLead initiatives for quality assurance of academic programmes to ensure academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience.
\n\tEnsure professional qualifications meet the minimum standards set by professional bodies.
\n\tDirect the integration of research outputs into teaching and learning to enhance professional qualifications and graduate employability.
\n\tEnsure that curricula address future needs of the world of work and consider Gen AI implications on the future of teaching and learning.<\/p>\n
Research and Innovation<\/p>\n
\tEstablish and maintain a research environment and support infrastructure enabling world-class research.
\n\tImplement inter- and transdisciplinary research that differentiates the NWU nationally and internationally.
\n\tLead, direct, and participate in national and international collaborations addressing NWU niche research areas.
\n\tEnsure research outputs are of notable international profile and impact.
\n\tCoordinate research and innovation appropriately around agreed research themes, focusing on national and international imperatives.
\n\tLead and direct fundamental research, applied research, research in application, curiosity-driven research, blue-sky research, and directed research.
\n\tFacilitate differentiation and third-stream revenue generation through innovation and commercialisation.
\n\tDevelop and implement the faculty\u2019s research and innovation strategy aligned with the university\u2019s vision.
\n\tFoster a research culture of excellence, collaboration, and ethical conduct.
\n\tLead initiatives to enhance the faculty’s research profile nationally and internationally.
\n\tIncrease the quantity and quality of research publications in high-impact, accredited journals.
\n\tDrive interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects.
\n\tMonitor and report on research performance metrics (e.g., NRF ratings, citation indices, research income).
\n\tSecure external research funding through national and international grants, partnerships, and industry collaboration.
\n\tPromote innovation, patents, and commercialisation of research outputs.
\n\tDevelop partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs for technology transfer and applied research.
\n\tLead engagement with research councils, innovation agencies, and donors.
\n\tSet and evaluate KPIs for departments and research units within the faculty.
\n\tUse data to inform research planning and resource allocation.<\/p>\n
Community Engagement<\/p>\n
\tLead and direct community engagement initiatives that are integrated with teaching and learning as well as research.
\n\tParticipate in community engagement initiatives with joint accountability.<\/p>\n
External Strategic Relationships<\/p>\n
\tCollaborate 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.
\n\tPosition 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.<\/p>\n
Resource Management and Optimisation<\/p>\n
\tLead the strategic planning and allocation of financial and human resources within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with university goals and priorities.
\n\tOversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the division\u2019s budget, ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and optimal use of resources.
\n\tManage the recruitment, development, and retention of staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports staff growth and performance.
\n\tEnsure the long-term financial sustainability of the division through effective financial planning, risk management, and the mobilisation of additional resources.
\n\tEnsure compliance with university policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in all resource management activities, maintaining transparency and integrity.
\n\tDesign, utilise, and evaluate processes and systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.<\/p>\n
Minimum requirements<\/p>\n
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:<\/p>\n
\tA doctoral degree in Theology (NQF level 10).
\n\tMembership of appropriate academic and professional networks.
\n\tProfessional registration where applicable.
\n\tA minimum of ten (10) years\u2019 senior management experience.
\n\tSpecialist teaching and learning or research experience.
\n\tSignificant experience in higher education. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
KEY FUNCTIONAL\/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:<\/p>\n
\tThorough knowledge of the South African Higher Education environment.
\n\tStrategic and Visionary Leadership.
\n\tAnalytic thinking.
\n\tExcellent communication and interpersonal skills.
\n\tStrong organisational and project management abilities.
\n\tQuality Management.
\n\tFinancial acumen and resource management skills.
\n\tStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.
\n\tProficient in using modern office software, digital tools, and online platforms to enhance productivity and efficiency in daily tasks and decision-making.<\/p>\n
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:<\/p>\n
\tAbility to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
\n\tAbility to adjust strategies and approaches in response to changing circumstances and emerging trends in education.
\n\tStrong judgment and decision-making skills, based on thorough analysis and consideration of various factors impacting the higher education sector.
\n\tUnderstanding and respect for diverse perspectives ability to integrate the ideas of others.
\n\tStrong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a senior leadership team.
\n\tStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to institutional challenges.
\n\tCommitment to ethical standards and practices, promoting integrity and transparency in all aspects of teaching and learning.<\/p>\n
Apply by:\u00a05 September 2025<\/p>\n
go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n
Apply via company website ( ) or<\/p>\n
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