VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL
The incumbent will be committed to the uniqueness of UL as articulated in its vision, mission and values, inclusive of the development of a strong institutional advancement and internationalisation strategy and will have the requisite standing to be a highly effective ambassador for the University.
The successful candidate further takes full responsibility for the day-to-day management and administration of the University and will have all the powers necessary to perform these functions. They will take full responsibility for the development of a vibrant inclusive academic culture in support of the University reaching its strategic objectives.
Minimum Requirements
• A doctoral degree;
• an outstanding academic career with at least ten (10) years’ experience in a senior leadership role in an academic institution or research organisation;
• a proven publication track record of academic scholarship in accredited journals and/or publishing houses;
• a demonstrated, thorough knowledge and understanding of the South African Higher Education system as well as the national and international realities of this sector;
• an outstanding leader, inspirational, strategic and innovative with an understanding of the importance of working in collaboration and partnership with staff, students and external stakeholders, deeply committed to academic excellence and the success of the individuals and communities served by the University;
• excellent communication, negotiation and conflict management skills, including a collaborative leadership approach with high levels of self-awareness and proven ability to empower and motivate staff;
• the vision and passion to create a life-changing and truly transformational student life experience and success, inclusive of student graduations;
• an unquestionable track record of resilience, transparency, integrity and honesty, with a strong and demonstrable commitment to equality, social mobility and justice;
• politically astute with a sound understanding of and ability to influence South African Higher Education policies, or evidence of an ability to quickly develop such an understanding and discourse;
• the confidence and courage to take well-considered risks, drawing on the expertise of the University and its stakeholders, including members of Council.
Key Performance Areas
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal reports to the University Council and will:
• lead and develop the strategic objectives of UL in line with its vision, mission and values;
• provide clear strategic and academic leadership across the University, demonstrating sound decision-making and building superior performing teams by harnessing the energies of staff, commending quality success, promoting shared values and instilling a culture of ambition and achievement;
• further develop and deliver UL strategy, through working with the University Council to articulate a clear and shared sense of the academic performance, standards of purpose and future direction for UL;
• create an environment within the University that is inclusive, transparent, innovative and transformational and 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 UL and thus ensuring an increasingly competitive environment, the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning, community engagement and research, which is innovative and continues to transform the lives of both students and communities;
• create an environment conducive for an ambitious research agenda through which the University is recognised for both excellence and research leadership;
• ensure that UL exceeds the expectations of students through delivery of an outstanding student experience;
• be a proactive and visible ambassador for UL through enhancing and promoting the achievements, reputation and standing of the University locally, nationally and internationally and in so doing continually strengthening UL’s profile;
• ensure that UL is innovative, agile and adequately well positioned to influence and respond decisively to ongoing policy initiatives and changes within a rapidly evolving higher education sector in South Africa and beyond;
• uphold excellent standard of accountability, ethics and corporate governance across the University;
• ensure that UL’s financial position is sustainable and positioned well for growth, by securing and diversifying funding streams and establishing new partnerships/collaborations with partners within universities in South Africa and internationally;
• develop, review and implement policy and procedure aligned to UL’s vision, mission, values and strategy and inspire staff and provide clear direction through a period of transition;
• manage transformation to ensure the internationalisation of an organisational and performance culture that supports the strategic imperatives of UL;
• have overall accountability to the Council for the Human Resource Management, including performance management and development, quality assurance and risk management including safety, health and environment management;
• take overall accountability for ensuring that the University complies with all the relevant legislations and policies, including statutory reporting to the relevant statutory bodies and government departments including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Competencies
• Commitment to personal scholarship
• Strategic and visionary leadership
• Resource management
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Personal impact, stature and credibility
• Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity
• Management of complexity and ambiguity
• Quality assurance and risk management
• Policy development
• Corporate governance
• Health and safety management
• Management of transformation and change management
• Decision-making, conflict management and problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Action and delivery orientated
• Team player
CLOSING DATE: 07 APRIL 2023
Typed applications which should contain comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of all qualifications and contact details of three referees should be forwarded for the attention of the Chief Human Resources Officer, e-mail applications, in MS Word format to [email protected]
Telephone enquiries regarding conditions of services: (015) 268 3510
It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign obtained qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Please note that failure to submit the requested documents/ information will result in your application not being considered.
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Applicants who have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date must consider their applications as unsuccessful.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.