HEAD OF SCHOOL

HEAD OF SCHOOL (AC.04.3) – Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) Wits University Location: Johannesburg, South Africa. Description The Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg invites applications for the position of Head of the School of Law. The School of Law is internationally ranked with a significant reputation. The School offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes covering a variety of Legal subject areas. It hosts the Wits Law Clinic, Mandela Institute, and Centre for Applied Legal Studies, and maintains strong links with the community, industry, law firms, and social justice organisations. Qualifications and Experience PhD in Law or a cognate discipline with a record of accredited publications, postgraduate supervision and teaching in Law. Established academic standing capable of effective leadership of the School. Managerial and/or administrative experience or evidence of such capability, including capacity to manage academic and professional staff. Ability to maintain partnerships, network with alumni and other relevant institutions and stakeholders. Experience in fundraising is an advantage. Duties The Head of School will set the direction of the School in consultation with staff and within the wider mission of the Faculty and University, and will lead and manage the School to meet its strategic goals in a transformative higher education context. Responsibilities include: Maintaining excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, professional development short courses, research activities and community outreach, including the contribution of its centres and academic divisions. Being an empathetic leader who maintains a cohesive School and enjoys the confidence of the School to take responsibility for student affairs, staff development and transformation, and relationships with diverse external stakeholders. Responsible for School governance, financial and human resources management, occupational health and safety, and administration of the School, along with the School’s infrastructure and resources. Developing professional staff, achieving the School’s strategic goals and ensuring its sustainability. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare and present a five‑year plan for the School at a seminar attended by members of the School and Faculty, and to visit the School for an immersive period as part of the selection process. Remuneration The Faculty offers a generous remuneration package which includes a retirement fund, medical aid and bursaries, subject to the University’s regulations. Application Individuals from previously disadvantaged population groups are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates. Should you not receive a reply within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re‑advertise. To apply, register your profile on the Wits I‑Recruitment platform located at Vacancies – Wits University and submit a covering letter together with a CV that includes the names of three contactable referees. For enquiries, please contact Professor Jason Cohen at For further information on the School: Closing Date 31 January 2026 Equality Statement The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re‑advertise. #J-18808-Ljbffr