Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is located on the warm east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It sprawls over seven (7) campuses that cater for about 32 000 students. Two of these are located in spectacular KZN Midlands, well-known for its undulating hills, which unfurl coastwards from the Drakensburg Mountains nearby. Five of these are located in tropical and picturesque Durban, which sits ensconced beside the ‘Valley of a Thousand Hills’ as it tapers off into the Indian ocean.

**ENVISION2030**, our strategy, identifies DUT’s DNA as having two strands, namely _‘people-centred and engaged’ _and _‘innovative and entrepreneurial’_. These are interwoven intrinsically by several double
- pairs consisting of _‘values and principles’ _that bind our Double-Helix together. The extrinsic expression of our DNA is via _The DUT Way_, which irradiates our collective thought and mind, heart and soul, character and behaviour.

The University’s goal is to _‘contribute towards improving the lives and livelihoods of all its people in the broader society’_. DUT strives consistently towards excellence and greatness in the teaching
- learning and in the research-innovation nexus; something that has been recognized recently both nationally and internationally. These internationally recognised strengths are enacted through our impactful engagement internally and externally in service of our localities, the region and the country at large.

DUT is: _‘Creative. Distinctive. Impactful’_
- **EXECUTIVE DEAN: FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (POST REF NO. E400)**

Executive Deans are senior officers of the University and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning). In line with the University’s vision and overall objectives, Executive Deans are expected to determine, articulate, implement and lead faculty-based strategic initiatives to enhance the Faculty’s academic stature, reputation and performance in teaching/learning, research, innovation and engagement. Key traits of Executive Deans include inspirational, innovative and enterprising academic leadership. It is expected that the Executive Deans will strengthen the faculties’ service ethic to students and its staff and build its engagement with industry, communities and government. As administrators, the Executive Deans are responsible for the academic integrity, administrative management, financial management, human resource and strategic transformational leadership of the Faculty.

In summary, the Executive Dean for the Faculty strategically manages the following divisions:

- Architectural Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering and Geomatics
- Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Electronic and Computer Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Town and Regional Planning

**Minimum Requirements**
- A Doctorate in an appropriate discipline with a strong research profile that demonstrates leadership
- A strong record of initiating and managing collaborations and partnerships at local, regional and international levels
- Proven record of being a respected senior academic leader
- At least ten (10) years’ work experience in the higher education environment of which five (5) years should have been in a senior academic management capacity
- Sound knowledge of higher education and the higher education system in South Africa and internationally
- Relevant higher education leadership and managerial skills.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS**
- Develops, research, design, development and review of faculty and, where appropriate, institutional policies, procedures, plans and systems as required in line with relevant legislation, national standards and international best practices.
- Provides leadership in the formulation and monitoring of faculty related policies and goals.
- As part of the Institutes Academic leadership team, provides input to regional, national and international academic initiatives where appropriate.
- As structural and functional head of the Faculty, oversees and monitors the effective implementation of institutional and faculty policies, procedures, plans and systems within the Faculty.
- Provides specific, high-level, legally compliant strategic advice on faculty related academic matters to the DVC: Teaching and Learning and Executive Management as may be required.
- Manages appeals, complaints, etc. from students, parents, employers.
- Manages staff appeals, complaints, grievances, etc., and conducts disciplinary enquiries as appropriate.
- Promotes equity and transformation within the Faculty.
- Promotes congenial working relationships between staff in the Faculty and with other academic and administrative departments.
- Manages the Faculty office by delegating specific responsibilities to Deputy Dean, e.g. registration, record keeping and qualification procedures.
- Designs, sets up, and monitors effective control systems to