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The University seeks to identify someone who will continue to enhance the strategic position of the University while ensuring its optimal performance and competitiveness.
The position requires extensive knowledge and experience of the HE sector, impeccable academic and research credentials, strong evidence of sound leadership and proven capacity at an executive management level.
The new incumbent will be tasked with an overriding responsibility of serving the greater local community, while managing the anticipated exponential growth of the University, as it applies to increased numbers of staff and students, as well as providing direction and control over an infrastructural budget of R500 million per annum.
As one of two post-democracy universities launched in a new-era South Africa, Sol Plaatje University has added a new dimension to Kimberley as a centre of academic excellence. Since inception in 2013, the University has grown rapidly from its first intake of 124 students in 2014 to almost 2 000 students, including 72 post-graduates, making it a significant employer in the region. As the University reaches its goal of enrolling approximately 7 500 students in the 2024 academic year, as a collective, it is set to enhance the local economy and its communities.
The University’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor will be stepping down, having laid an excellent foundation for his successor to build upon. The next phase, post the big-infrastructure development phase, is not only exciting and challenging for the University, but also full of opportunity and reward for future students and employees alike. In addition to the ongoing rapid growth in student numbers, staff numbers will double to approximately 800 members during the same period.
The next phase will see the institution develop into a 21st century comprehensive university renowned for excellence and its reliance on innovative modalities of teaching, learning, research and student support.
INHERENT CRITERIA
• A Full Professor with earned doctoral degree, together with proven academic stature, teaching and learning experience and meaningful research record. This is necessary to earn the respect of fellow academics.
• A proven track-record of leadership and credibility with at least 3 years’ experience as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Executive Dean or similar senior executive position, backed by at least 10 years’ experience in the HE sector.
• Proven experience and success in all areas of anticipated KPA’s.
• Extensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of the South African HE landscape.
• Proven leadership at higher education (HE) level, viz; Ability to vision optimal performance, strength to ensure sound implementation of an envisaged future, high ethical standards and a keen sense of reality.
• Keen understanding of, and the capabilities to ensure, good governance, accountability and the financial sustainability of a dynamic and rapidly expanding university.
• Demonstrable and unquestionable integrity, standing and accomplishments relevant to a tertiary institution as it applies to South Africa, inclusive of excellent communication skills, public speaking ability, critical and analytical skills, a quick, decisive and participative management style and the ability and willingness to respond to difficult situations as they arise.
The appointment is for a 5-year fixed term with possible renewal for a further and final term in appropriate circumstances.
Application requirements
