Academic Head of Department Free State

University of the Free State is actively recruiting for a Academic Head of Department position in Free State. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Education / Teaching sector looking to advance their careers.

• Experience Level: Not Specified • Educational Background: PhD or equivalent • Industry Focus: Education / Teaching • Location Preference: in Free State

Educators in Academic Head of Department positions shape future generations. This role is fundamental to South Africa's educational development and social progress.

This role in Education / Teaching offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.

When applying for this Academic Head of Department position, ensure your CV highlights: • Relevant experience matching the Not Specified requirement • Educational qualifications in line with PhD • Specific achievements in the Education / Teaching field • Any certifications or specialized training

The Education / Teaching sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.

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Provide academic leadership by creating and executing strategies to establish the department as a leader in the field of philosophy.

Directing the academic debate in the department; Influencing the department's overall climate and culture; Energising everybody in the department and beyond; and Shaping the future of the department. Contribute to the overall leadership in the faculty. Responsible for frequent and continuous planning and execution of plans, general organising and coordinating of staff, students and activities, mentoring and motivating staff, structuring, and exercising overall control. Create an atmosphere of collaboration among staff. Responsible for effective internal and external communication. The AHD is pivotal in linking the department‘s staff and students with the University's management and administration through communication, negotiation and consultation. Active participation and involvement in faculty management structures, attending meetings, leading project teams, representing the department and faculty, and fulfilling the roles of liaison officer and marketer, when necessary.  Active participation and involvement in applicable UFS management structures, e.g. Senate. Initiate, formulate and implement a visionary academic strategy for the department that is aligned with and supportive of the guiding strategic documents of the UFS and faculty.

Ensure –

The provision of top-quality, research-informed facilitation of learning at all levels of teaching in the department; Relevance of content, material and presentation in all modules; The enhancement of student experiences and their continuous engagement in academic debates; That adequate rules and regulations are in place to optimally deliver high-quality teaching and learning programmes on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; Adherence to all the rules and regulations of the UFS, faculty and department; Quality and timely feedback on student work; Proper and quality-driven academic advice and support to all under- and postgraduate students in the department; and The revisiting and development of fresh learning programmes that will help to position the department as a leader in its field.

Create and maintain a(n) –

Visionary research strategy for the department; and Environment that encourages research, leading to strong and active research habits and a culture of inquiry.

Ensure that –

Every academic staff member is engaged in quality-driven and discipline-specific research; Postgraduate students are recruited to broaden the research base of the department; and Ethical requirements are met.

Guide and support senior academics towards acquiring NRF ratings. 

Engage actively with the faculty research committee and the UFS Directorate of Research Development in order to ensure sustainable financial support for departmental research initiatives.

Planning and implementing a fair and reasonable dispensation regarding the workload of staff members in the department;  Planning and implementing a clear and reasonable career path for every staff member in the department, taking account of the strategic plans of the University, faculty and department; Appropriate mentoring interventions where and whenever needed;  Managing staff performance in accordance with existing university policies and procedures; Recruitment and selection of scholars in the case of vacancies and/or specific strategic needs, whenever strategic repositioning requires expansion of academic endeavours; Creating and maintaining a scholarship-friendly environment in the department; and Planning and overseeing effective and relevant staff development.

Annual budgeting; Financial planning; Allocation of funds; and Financial control. Adherence to the UFS’s financial policies and procedures. Encourage and actively support academic staff members to apply for external research and other grants.

PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical and/ or Missional Theology or related field. Appointment in the Department of Practical and Missional Theology, University of the Free State as a full-time, permanent Associate Professor or higher.