AP560 Vice-Chancellor

This position has been successfully filled and we are no longer accepting applications. 

Thank you for your interest shown.

SMU is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to drive the University’s new strategy and to further develop their standing and reputation as a leading comprehensive university, firmly rooted in modernity and relevance. The Vice-Chancellor will possess the requisite strategic vision, academic and professional stature, a contemporary understanding of the principles for the manifestation of a quality and sustainable academic enterprise and the related support functions, and a collaborative approach to lead within a competitive academic environment. The successful candidate will be committed to the uniqueness of SMU as articulated in its mission, vision and values, inclusive of the development of a strong institutional advancement and internationalization strategy.  The new incumbent will have the national and international standing to be a highly effective ambassador for the University. S/he further takes full responsibility for the day-to-day management and administration of the institution and will have all the powers necessary to perform these functions.  S/he will further take full responsibility for the development of a vibrant academic culture in support of the University reaching its strategic objectives. The new Vice-Chancellor will report to the Council of the University and will furthermore be responsible for the key performance areas listed below:

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Lead and develop the strategic objectives of SMU in line with its mission, vision and values.
• Provide clear academic and strategic leadership across the University, demonstrating clear decision making and building high performing teams by harnessing the energies of staff, celebrating success, promoting shared values and a culture of ambition and achievement.
• Further develop and deliver the SMU strategy, through working with the University Council to articulate a clear and shared sense of purpose and future direction for the SMU.
• Create an environment within the University that is inclusive, transparent, innovative and transformational; one which attracts, develops and empowers people of outstanding talent and creativity.
• Provide clear leadership to further enhance the academic performance, standards and standing of the SMU, and thus ensuring an increasingly competitive environment, the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning, community engagement and research, which continues to transform the lives of students and communities.
• Pursue an ambitious research agenda through which the University is recognised for both excellence and research leadership.
• Ensure that SMU exceeds the expectations of students through delivering an outstanding student experience.
• Be a proactive and visible ambassador for SMU through enhancing and promoting the achievements, reputation and standing of the University locally, nationally and internationally, and in so doing continually strengthening SMU’s profile.
• Ensure that SMU is innovative, flexible and sufficiently well-positioned to influence and respond decisively to ongoing policy changes within a rapidly evolving higher education environment within South Africa and abroad.
• Ensure that the SMU’s financial position is robust and positioned well for growth, securing and diversifying funding streams, and establishing new partnerships/collaborations with partners within Universities South Africa and internationally.
• Uphold excellent standards of accountability, ethics and corporate governance across the SMU.
• Provide strong and engaged leadership to SMU’s institutional advancement and internationalisation initiatives, including promoting highly engaged alumni.
• Policy and procedure development and implementation aligned to the SMU mission, vision, values and strategic objectives.
• Lead and inspire staff and provide clear direction through a period of transition.
• Manage transformation to ensure the internalisation of an organisational and performance culture that supports the strategic imperatives of SMU.
• Overall accountability to the Council for the Human Resource Management, including performance management and development; Quality assurance and risk management; Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Management.
• Overall accountability for ensuring that the University complies with all the relevant legislations and policies, including statutory reporting to the relevant government departments, including the DHET.

INHERENT CRITERIA:

• A Doctoral degree.
• An outstanding academic with an established research track-record and 10 years’ experience in a senior leadership role in an academic institution or research organisation.
• An outstanding leader, inspirational, strategic and innovative, with an understanding of the importance of working in collaboration and partnership with staff, students and external partners, deeply committed to academic excellence and the success of the individuals and communities they serve.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership approach, with high levels of self-awareness and proven ability to empower staff.
• The vision and passion to create a life-changing and truly transformational student experience, inclusive of graduate employability and industry engagement.
• An unquestionable track-record of integrity, resilience, transparency and honesty, with a strong and demonstrable commitment to equality and social mobility throughout the institution.
• A sound understanding of and ability to influence SA higher education policies, or evidence of an ability to quickly develop such an understanding.
• Has an understanding of developments in the higher education arena locally, in South Africa, and further afield.
• The confidence and courage to take well-considered risks, drawing on the expertise of the university and its stakeholders, including members of Council.