ACADEMIC HEAD

SUMMARY:
We are recruiting an Academic Head for our client based in Midrand in the education industry who will provide strategic leadership for the academic function of the institute, overseeing curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment practices, and academic staff performance.  This role ensures high-quality student support, maintains compliance with South African higher education regulations, and drives academic quality assurance to promote excellence across all programmes

POSITION INFO:

Minimum qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in Education or a relevant Engineering discipline; PhD preferred
• At least 5 years of senior academic management experience within South Africa’s higher education sector
• Demonstrated experience in strategic academic leadership, including curriculum development, programme management, and quality assurance
• In-depth knowledge of South Africa’s higher education system, regulatory frameworks, accreditation processes (CHE, DHET, ECSA), and quality assurance standards
• Proven ability to lead and develop academic teams, manage staff performance, and promote a culture of academic excellence

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Provide overall academic leadership, ensuring alignment with the institution’s mission, vision, and regulatory requirements (CHE, DHET, ECSA).
• Lead the development and review of academic policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Ensure programmes are industry-aligned, compliant with NQF/HEQSF standards, and support clear articulation and progression pathways.
• Oversee the quality assurance and programme review functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while delegating day-to-day QA processes to the Quality Assurance Officer.
• Support and manage academic staff through recruitment, professional development, fair workload distribution, and performance management.
• Oversee student administration, academic advising, student support initiatives, performance monitoring, progression, and the management of appeals or misconduct cases.
• Provide support to lecturers in teaching delivery, academic administration, and student engagement.
• Act as the key liaison with regulatory bodies, professional associations, industry partners, and internal governance structures.
• Support marketing and recruitment initiatives for academic programmes.
• Prepare reports for management, committees, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead re-accreditation and audit preparations in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Manage academic budgets and resources effectively.
• Contribute to general campus administration, operational management, and broader management functions.
• Undertake ad hoc duties as required to support the institution’s operations.