Job Title:\u00a0VICE CHANCELLOR & ACADEMIC HEAD
\nLocation: Open Window University, Lusaka, Zambia
\nReports To: Chief Executive Officer \/ Chief Strategy Officer \/ University Council
\nType: Full-time | Executive Leadership
\nTerm: 5 years, renewable
\nOVERVIEW
\nOpen Window University, a dynamic and fast-growing private institution of higher learning in Zambia, is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as its Vice Chancellor & Academic Head. This dual-role appointment represents the apex of institutional leadership providing executive oversight of the university strategic direction, while ensuring academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.
\nThe Vice Chancellor and Academic Head is the chief academic officer of the university, responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership across all facets of the institution. In a dynamic and evolving creative arts environment, this role combines executive oversight with academic stewardship to foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and critical inquiry in teaching, learning, creative practice and research.
\nRESPONSIBILITIES
\n1.Strategic and Institutional Leadership\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lead the development and implementation of the university vision, mission, and long-term strategic plan in alignment with its creative and educational values.
\nRepresent the university at national and international levels, advocating for the role of the arts and creative industries in society.
\nBuild sustainable partnerships with government bodies, cultural institutions, academic networks, donors, and industry stakeholders.<\/p>\n
2.Academic Leadership<\/p>\n
Ensure academic quality, relevance, and rigour across all institutional departments, programmes, and qualifications.
\nPromote and support innovative pedagogies and interdisciplinary approaches to creative education.
\nLead academic policy formulation, curriculum development, and programme review processes.
\nCultivate an intellectually vibrant and inclusive academic community.<\/p>\n
3. Research, Creative Practice, and Knowledge Production<\/p>\n
Champion research, artistic inquiry, and practice-led scholarship that responds to local and global contexts.
\nCreate financially viable structures and incentives to support faculty and student research output, exhibitions, performances, publications, and community-based projects.
\nEncourage the integration of indigenous, experimental, and critical knowledge systems.<\/p>\n
4. Operational and Administrative Oversight<\/p>\n
Assist in institutional planning, budgeting, financial sustainability, and compliance in collaboration with executive management.
\nLead recruitment, development, and performance management of senior academic and administrative staff.
\nEnsure the university meets national regulatory standards and international best practices in higher education.<\/p>\n
5. Student Experience and Development<\/p>\n
Promote a holistic, student-centred approach that supports the academic, creative, and personal development of students.
\nEnsure equity, access, and well-being through inclusive policies and support services.
\nEncourage student voice and participation in institutional governance and creative life.<\/p>\n
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE<\/p>\n
A PHD holding candidate with a foundation in a relevant field of the arts, humanities, creative industries with an understanding of education theory and practice.
\nAt least 15 years of progressive experience in higher education, including 5+ years in senior academic or administrative leadership, ideally within a private university context.
\nProven experience in higher education leadership, including strategic planning, academic governance, and institutional development.
\nDemonstrated success in managing interdisciplinary teams, securing funding, and fostering creative cultures.
\nAn understanding of the challenges and opportunities in arts education in local and global contexts.<\/p>\n
COMPETENCIES<\/p>\n
Visionary leadership and the ability to inspire across diverse disciplines.
\nStrong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
\nDeep appreciation of artistic, cultural, and academic plurality.
\nEthical, inclusive, and transparent management style.
\nCommitment to transformation, decolonisation, and sustainability in higher education.<\/p>\n
ATTRIBUTES<\/p>\n
Experience in leading or developing creative arts programmes or institutions.
\nA background in creative practice, cultural policy, or arts activism.
\nKnowledge of emerging technologies and their application in arts education.
\nFamiliarity with accreditation and quality assurance frameworks in higher education.<\/p>\n
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