Deputy Dean

Deputy Dean: Research, Innovation, Community Engagement & Postgraduate Studies (N ) North‑West University / Noordwes‑Universiteit, Potchefstroom Campus Position Number: N Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences Employment Type: 5‑Year Fixed‑Term Appointment Purpose of the Position As a senior representative, manage operational delivery to achieve the unitary faculty strategy and plan. Provide functional and academic leadership across campuses regarding Research, Innovation, Community Engagement and Postgraduate Studies. Minimum Requirements PhD in a relevant discipline (NQF level 10). Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks/societies. Professional registration where applicable. A minimum of five (5) years’ senior/middle academic management experience. Significant experience in higher education, including community engagement. Must be an NRF‑rated researcher. Key Responsibilities Strategic Development Co‑determine faculty strategy and jointly account for its implementation. Jointly responsible for the successful implementation of the NWU Research and Innovation strategy. Lead the teaching and learning strategy. Jointly accountable for overall NWU strategy implementation. Translate faculty strategy into site implementation plans and operationalise. Operational Management Lead day‑to‑day operational planning, performance and quality ensuring alignment with the faculty plan. Participate in planning with Research Entities and Schools and the annual faculty calendar. Oversee and manage utilisation of resources and finances as allocated by the Executive Dean. Deputise for the Executive Dean. Accountable across campuses as Chairperson of relevant faculty board committee(s). Research and Innovation Maintain a research environment and support infrastructure enabling world‑class research. Implement interdisciplinary research that differentiates the NWU nationally and internationally. Participate in national and international collaborations addressing NWU niche research areas. Continuously improve research outputs to positively impact national and international standing. Promote the faculty through market trends and needs identification. Implement and manage innovative postgraduate programmes addressing national and international needs. Cluster research and innovation around agreed research themes focusing on national and international imperatives. Coordinate fundamental, applied, curiosity‑driven, blue‑skies and directed research. Facilitate revenue generation through innovation and commercialization. Community Engagement Drive community engagement initiatives integrated with research & innovation as well as teaching & learning. Support socially responsive local community projects aligned with faculty objectives. Student Relations Liaise with students and parents, build relationships and resolve escalations. Increase students’ identification and association with the faculty across campuses. External Relationships Secure funding, professional recognition, academic development, employment through effective local and international relationships. In consultation with the Executive Dean, promote the faculty and NWU brand through marketing and communication. Promote and drive internationalisation and commercialisation. Management and Leadership Ensure faculty effectiveness and efficiency including infrastructure and facilities. Coordinate research entities, schools, programme effectiveness – joint accountability. Accountable with leadership team for management effectiveness of the institution. Develop stakeholder relationships and effectiveness. Ensure corporate governance, reporting and risk management. Manage research ethics and integrity. Cost management and cost‑effectiveness. Implement faculty processes and systems, utilisation and efficiency. Digitalise and automate faculty processes to streamline decision‑making. Mentor and support career development of staff. Foster personal effectiveness and development. Demonstrate values‑based leadership and compliance. Key Functional/Technical Competencies Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system. Well‑developed ICT proficiency. Contract development and management proficiency. Knowledge of student access and support and curriculum design within applicable fields. Aptitude for managing the research‑innovation value chain. Key Behavioural Competencies Professional work ethic. Autonomous, accurate and assertive. Good communication skills. Decisive, able to reach timely decisions and take action. Follows through on commitments and obligations. Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately. Represents FHS and NWU professionally. Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions. Remuneration The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines. Recruitment Process Direct enquiries may be directed to Mr. Lionel Eksteen at . Application Details Closing Date: 30 November 2025 Commencement: As soon as possible Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications or those submitted through other platforms will not be considered. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. 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