Dean and Head of School: School of Medicine
Listing reference: ukzn_000544
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 15 April 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Durban
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The College of Health Sciences is underpinned by the principles of universal healthcare and excellent scholarship and providing medical and health sciences
education and training to the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. The Dean and Head of School is responsible for the academic leadership and
management of the School. The College seeks to appoint an innovative and strategic leader to reposition the schools into strengthening collaborative efforts
with communities and industries but also aligns with strategy 2023 - 2032 and the on-going Project Renewal.
Job description
- The Dean in the school of Medicine will oversee various disciplines such as; Anaesthesiology Pain Medicine and Critical Care, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Child Health, Orthopaedic Surgery, Psychiatry, Radiology, along with Family Medicine and other clinical disciplines. The Dean will also oversee other Medical Sciences disciplines such as Anatomy, Physiology, and programmes in Medical Biochemistry, Virology, Haematology, Pathology, and Medical Microbiology will form a division of Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine and led by a Deputy Dean of Medical Sciences.
- The Dean and Head of School provides high-level academic leadership and strategic direction of the School in research, teaching, community and
health engagement, local and continental strategic partnerships, and transformation consistent with the University’s and the Board’s vision and mission. - The incumbent will be highest leader for all academics and professional services staff within the School. The incumbent will also interact closely with professional stakeholders outside the School.
- The Dean and Head of School is part of the College Leadership and Management Team and reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor though ultimately represents Senate and Council mandates.
Minimum requirements
- Associate Professor/Professor with experience in an academic/research leadership role
- PhD/Doctoral Degree in a discipline relevant to the Schools within the College of Health Sciences
- Demonstrated experience in an academic/research leadership role with the ability to network with key stakeholders locally and internationally
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience in management and leadership of a School, Faculty or research unit of a significant size and complexity
- High profile and standing within the business community and proven experience in leading and managing change
Essential Skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills
- Demonstrated track record of fundraising and attracting competitive reserach grants
- Understanding of the higher edication environment in South Africa and relevant legislation
- Evidence of good knowledge of the South African healthcare system and environment, particularly the Public Healthcare environment
- A broad understanding of development in the various disciplines within the healthcare system at a national, international, regional and continental level and an externally-recognized, leading authority in a subject area with a considerable national and/or international reputation
