Executive Director and Dean
Listing reference: ukzn_000619
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 5 August 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Durban
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
UKZN seek to appoint a visionary leadership to reposition the Graduate School of Business and Leadership in its quest to be amongst the leader Business Schools in the country. The successful candidate will be expected to: provide strategic direction, and operational management of the Business School, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, community engagement, and student outcomes. They will translate institutional strategy into a coherent School plan, foster an inclusive academic culture, and champion the School’s reputation locally and internationally.
Job description
- The Head of Business School will play a pivotal role in shaping the School's identity and future trajectory.
- This includes fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence that aligns with the University's overarching mission.
- By translating institutional strategy into a coherent School plan, the Head will ensure that the School remains responsive to global trends, industry demands, and societal needs.
- Additionally, the Head will act as a key representative of the School, building its reputation locally and internationally through strategic partnerships, impactful research, and community engagement initiatives.
Minimum requirements
- Masters Degree in Business, Management, Economics or related field
- PhD in a relevant field would be advantageous
- Proven senior leadership experience (e.g., Head, Dean, Director).
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in management and leadership of a unit of significant size and at an executive level.
- Demonstrated track record of research excellence and securing funding or leading an entrepreneurial organization.
- Exposure to executive education or industry consulting (preferred).
Desired/ Essential Skills
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to envision future trends and translate them into actionable plans.
- Collaborative Leader: Empowers teams, builds consensus, and navigates complex stakeholder landscapes.
- Financial Acumen: Skilled in budget management, revenue generation, and ROI analysis.
- Excellent Communicator: Articulates vision, negotiates partnerships, and inspires confidence across audiences.
- Change Agent: Proven capacity to lead transformation, manage resistance, and sustain momentum.
- Equity Champion: Committed to diversity, inclusion, and social impact in academia and community engagement.
This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Home.aspx
Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form (application form – academic) and CV which is available on the Vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za.
The term of office for this position is five (5) years with the possibility of renewal based on performance. In the case of applicants who are permanent staff members of UKZN, the successful applicant will resume his/her substantive position at the end of this term of office.
Appointment of external applicants may be underpinned by a permanent substantive appointment in their academic specialist area.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 August 2025
Benefits
Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service.
The remuneration package offered includes benefits and will be dependent on the qualifications and/or experience of the successful applicant.
