Executive Director

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan‑African network of institutes dedicated to education, research and public engagement. AIMS provides state‑of‑the‑art postgraduate training enabling students from all over the continent to progress to careers in mathematics, science and technology. AIMS South Africa (AIMS‑SA) operates in partnership with the Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Western Cape to offer Masters‑level courses, conduct cutting‑edge research and share mathematics and science with the wider community. AIMS‑SA has an outstanding track record of scientific excellence and innovation and has been building mathematical science across Africa for over two decades. It operates six institutes across Africa and collectively graduates around 300 Masters and PhD students each year. The great majority of AIMS alumni remain in Africa, many occupying leadership positions in academia, government and industry across the continent. AIMS also operates mathematics and science teacher training programmes in Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa. The strategic pillars of the AIMS network are to produce the next generation of African leaders and educators in STEM, increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in STEM, create an inclusive and enabling environment for research and innovation, and raise awareness of the value and importance of science among the general public. Role Overview AIMS South Africa seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to inspire, motivate and empower the diverse staff team, the international student body, the visiting lecturers and researchers to embrace its vision and mandate and contribute towards achieving its strategic goals. The incumbent will join the centre presidents from the five other AIMS centres in providing leadership to the continental network. Based at AIMS‑SA it is expected that the Executive Director will utilise her or his academic research and managerial expertise to guide the Institute to its next level of success. Adept at building partnerships and pursuing strategic initiatives the Director will nurture a collaborative environment that promotes the pursuit of academic excellence and contributes to the ongoing growth of the mathematical sciences in South Africa and beyond. Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Vision and Leadership Develop a vision and strategic plan for the Institute together with the AIMS‑SA Council and lead its implementation. Provide visionary leadership that promotes competitive research and a relevant, up‑to‑date educational programme. Pursue mutually beneficial partnerships to leverage additional resources and fundraising. Demonstrate a commitment to quality and inspire staff, students and visitors to pursue excellence. Collaborate with leadership peers across the AIMS network. Academic Leadership Champion the direction and development of the Institute's academic programmes, bolstering AIMS’s profile. Nurture a collaborative, supportive, innovative research environment. Oversee educational and research programmes to ensure integrity, alignment to strategy and relevance. Business Development and Partnership Building Develop a growth business plan in consultation with partners and stakeholders. Strengthen relationships with government and support national priorities. Identify and secure new partnerships to expand the funding base and broaden impact. Plan and support community engagement initiatives. Build collaborations with industry for problem‑solving, skills training and employment pathways. Represent AIMS‑SA and advocate its vision nationally and internationally. Operations Management Oversee business plan implementation with the COO, making decisions on staff recruitment and resource allocation. Assist the growth of other AIMS centres and activities across the network. Ensure compliance with AIMS policies, laws and regulations. Take responsibility for budgeting, procurement, risk management, financial reporting and future sustainability. Present an annual report to the AIMS South Africa Council. Qualifications and Experience A research doctoral degree in the mathematical sciences or a related field. Sustained leadership experience in scientific innovation and training, particularly at postgraduate level. A strong research track record and ability to secure funding. Experience in development budgeting and implementation of major projects. Excellent communication and presentation skills in written and spoken English. Effective interpersonal and relationship‑management skills. Knowledge of curricula, enrolment management and research trends in mathematical sciences. Experience with international donor funding (DFID, IDRC, USAID, World