Sol Plaatje University
Job Details
Division
Faculty of Education
Business Unit
Human Science Teaching
Minimum experience
Not Applicable
Company primary industry
Higher Education
Job functional area
Education
Job Description
PurposeOverall teaching and learning, research, community engagement and administrative management of the academic department, and to provide support to the Department/Faculty in pursuit of its academic objectives. Serves on various committees including the Senate and Faculty Board. Responsibilities also include budget, asset and financial management, people management and safety, health and environmental management, curriculum development, student academic development, administration, quality assurance, academic management, and the development of research capacity within the Department/Faculty to contribute to the academic initiatives undertaken by the department/Faculty.Heads of Department are appointed on a contract basis in addition to their substantive employment.Minimum RequirementProfessor P5PhD NQF 10 in relevant disciplineTen years (10) relevant experience lecturing experienceProven track record in teaching, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagementProven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levelFive years of relevant academic management and leadership experienceEvidence of successful curriculum developmentHigh academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility among peersStrategic planning and implementation experienceKnowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance requirementsExcellent computer skillsAssociate Professor P6PhD NQF 10 in in relevant disciplineAt least eight (8) years relevant lecturing experienceProven track record in teaching and learning, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagementProven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levelEvidence of successful curriculum development and academic managementKnowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance requirementsExcellent computer skillsSenior Lecturer P7PhD/Doctorate NQF 10 in the in relevant disciplineA minimum of 5 years of relevant teaching at the university level or industry experience.Evidence of managing a research program and some publications (seven or more) in accredited journal/s, as well as postgraduate research supervision.Relevant research and publication record as an established scholar.Research supervision experience at Honours, Master’s and PhD levels.Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.Evidence of active participation in professional and/or community activitiesKnowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.Track record of administration, management and/or leadership roles at department and faculty levels.Excellent computer skillsLEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL REQUIREMENTS:Demonstrable leadership and/or management experience;Ability to develop a strategic vision and mission for the Department;Leadership and management competencies inclusive of the ability to lead and manage a diverse group of academics and programmes in the areas of Teaching Practice and WIL;Knowledge of DHET policies and of the higher education sector in general;Knowledge of SPU policies and proceduresDevelop relevant reports as and when requiredAbility to provide innovative leadership in initiating, developing and reviewing academic programmes;Knowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance requirements;Demonstrate competencies and skills in change management and transformation; andProven experience in liaising with external stakeholdersRecommendations Specialisation in Literature or LinguisticsNRF rating or potential to be NRF-ratedEvidence of managing research projects and the ability to attract project fundingAcademic management and leadership experienceStrategic planning and implementation experienceMinimum of three years in a leadership position at the level of course coordinator or equivalentHigh academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility amongst peersDuties and responsibilitiesTeaching and Learning:Develop and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses Utilize innovative and effective teaching methods to engage students and enhance their understanding of modules linked to Languages and CommunicationMentor and advise students in research projects and academic pursuits. Research:Established researcher with active and impactful research linked to Literature or LinguisticsPublish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed and accredited journals.Evidence of securing external funding through grants and collaborations. Curriculum Development:Contribute to the development and enhancement of Language curricula.Integrate emerging educational technologies and pedagogical approaches into course materials. Community Engagement:Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and communities to promote Literature or LinguisticsIntegrate community engagement interventions into curriculum.Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities.Participate in outreach programmes aimed at fostering interest in Literature or Linguistics Professional Development:Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practicesEngage in professional development activities to enhance teaching, research and supervision capabilities.Academic citizenship:Contribute to departmental and university service through committee participation.Provide leadership and support in advancing the goals of the department and institution.LEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL REQUIREMENTS:The HOD is responsible to his/her Head of Faculty/Dean for his/her work as head. The HOD must develop an operational plan for the department in consultation with the Dean/Head of the Faculty.Initiate, formulate and implement a visionary academic strategy for the department that is aligned with and supportive of the guiding strategic documents of the SPU and Faculty.The essence of headship is to give academic leadership to the department, to be concerned about its scholarship, its teaching and its standards, to develop its staff, and to grow it into a well-functioning academic unit.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.The HOD is pivotal in linking the department‘s staff and students with the University’s management and administration through communication, negotiation and consultation.It is the HOD’s duty to represent the interests of the department in the Faculty Board, Senate and more widely.The HOD should hold regular departmental seminars to promote intellectual vigour and rigour in the discipline.The HOD should hold departmental meetings at least once every two months. Minutes should be kept and confirmed, and used for producing action lists with deadlines. He/she should ensure a good flow of information to staff, especially as regards to policies and procedures.The HOD is responsible for staff planning (include succession planning), staff development, the development of a departmental employment equity plan (in consultation with the Dean of Faculty), and the carrying out of this plan. The head must carry out annual staff appraisals.The HOD is responsible for safety in his/her department. This includes ensuring that students, staff and visitors to the department are safeguarded and protected from physical risk and that safe working standards and procedures are adhered to at all times.The HOD is responsible for the control of expenditures against departmental budgets and has the right to information about research budgets and research expenditures of members of the department.The HOD is responsible for the equipment and assets assigned or on loan to the department and for the departmental asset register.Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.
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