Vice Chancellor and Principal

Vice Chancellor and Principal

Competitive salary

South Africa

The Role

As the Chief Executive Officer of the University, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal is responsible for the day to day management and administration of the University. S/he also performs the functions of the Chancellor in the absence of the latter. S/he reports to the Council of the University, and by virtue of her/his office, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal is a member of all committees of the Council and Senate. With the support of the Campus Rectors who head the four Campuses, s/he will further take overall responsibility for the development of a vibrant academic culture across the University, to ensure that the University reaches its strategic objectives as a leading comprehensive university, both regionally and nationally.

The University would prefer a candidate who has a good understanding of the current context of the University, able to stabilise the institution through the implementation of key processes, procedures and systems, and who will instil a sense of accountability whilst acting with firmness and resoluteness to lay a solid foundation for the University to transform it into its visionary future status. The candidate will enjoy the support and confidence of stakeholders and work with a common purpose in lifting the institution out of its current challenges. The candidate should refocus the university on its academic (core) business by providing strong leadership in its pursuit for success.

The Candidate

Experience/Qualifications required:

• A doctoral degree from an accredited institution
• A qualification in management will be an added advantage
• Be an outstanding academic, with an established track record in the academic environment, and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership position in a university/institution of higher learning
• Knowledge and understanding of higher education generally, including international imperatives that affect it
• Knowledge and understanding of policies and trends in South African Higher Education in particular
• A proven record of good governance
• A proven record of strategic, motivational and decisive leadership
• A combination of creativity and openness to innovation
• Ability to negotiate and manage risks
• Must be a visionary person, who can think strategically and have the ability to turn ideas into action
• Ability to mobilize and inspire others towards shared goals
• Ability to network and form partnerships with government, industry and business
• General management skills; and
• Excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills;
• A good understanding of and experience in change management implementation

For a confidential discussion please contact:

Tsholofelo Komane
Consultant
ODGERS BERNDTSON
3 Exchange Square, First Floor, 87 Maude St,
Sandown, 2196, South Africa
Direct: +27 (0) 11 444 7572