executive director: library

Advert reference: uj_002186

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 5 January 2026

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

EE position: EE

Level: Executive

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategic Plan 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ's mission is "To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collec- tive and collaborative pursuit of knowledge." The University is guided by the vision of building "An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future"

Job description

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director: Library and Information Centre is to lead, manage, and ensure the success of the Library and Information Centre (LIC) of the University. The focus is on making the LIC and its services future-fit for lifelong learning and continuous education. The strategic focus of this role is to support and advance the LIC through several targeted interventions, innovations and partnerships including internal and external stakeholders, in a way that contributes to the achievement of the University's Strategic Objectives.

The Library and Information Centre views itself as a globally acknowledged, African gateway to scholarly information. It consists of five libraries at the Bunting Road, Doornfontein, Kingsway and Soweto campuses, a central supporting unit consisting of Library Systems, the Acquisition and bibliographic description of record a Bindery; and the Archives, Special Collections, the Institutional Repository, serving a student population as well as the staff, researchers and visiting scholars of the nine Faculties and professional and support divisions.

The University collection is based on the needs of a modern, new, comprehensive institution and consists of both print and digital information resources. The use of information technology for access and other library functions is an important focus in the implementation of the LIC strategy. A high premium is placed on the preservation and dissemination of knowledge and scholarly communication, information fluency, as well as on the needs of previously disadvantaged students.

TheExecutiveDirectorwillbeexpectedto:

• Determine, articulate, implement and lead the Library's strategic initiatives in accordance with the University's strategic goals in order to continuously elevate teaching, research, community engagement and global engagement;
• Review and advance the Library strategy in accordance with the University's 2035 strategic objectives;
• Take the Library further into the virtual space;
• Conceptualise and collaborate with peer institutions to innovate new, cost-effective, virtual and integrated library models and procurement systems;
• Conceptualize and coordinate related strategic initiatives relating to mobilising grants, donations and sponsorships;
• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally;
• Take the Library further into new and emerging digital scholarship technologies to support research, teaching and learning in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond;
• Ensure sustained excellence of community engagement;
• Promote Library services and resources through coordinated marketing interventions;
• Promote the Library and University in broader national and international contexts;
• Oversee staff development and management, including retention and recruitment;
• Ensure high-quality divisional governance, administration and systems functioning;
• Ensure the effective and efficient management and utilisation of the Division's finances and resources;
• Respond to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) research and innovation-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports and initiate policy; and
• Manage risks within the portfolio.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD Degree (NQF 10) or equivalent in the relevant field.
• At least 10 years' demonstrable experience in a senior leadership position.
• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature and a sound understanding of the current national and international research, innovation, and academic landscape.
• Substantive leadership stature, with an excellent reputation supported by senior academic and/or administrative experience.
• In-depth understanding of current national and international debates around library administration and related approaches, or in-depth understanding of current debates on teaching and learning and research in Higher Education.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insights, and vision to support the academic community and leadership within the University to provide best practices and state-of-the-art library-related practices.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of Higher Education sector – nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• A proven track record of participation and leadership on both national and international library or research committees, boards, advisory boards, consortia or leadership groups.
• Ability to manage the portfolio's finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all levels and in staff recruitment, mentorship and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.

Competencies (Technical Skills and BehavioralAttributes) required

• Ability to use technology to improve efficiency and attainment of the University's strategic goals.
• The ability to professionally manage, motivate and display individual leadership qualities.
• A high level of financial and numerical acumen.
• The ability to ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning.
• The ability to develop and maintain good networks.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• The ability to promote, sustain excellence, and manage risks within the portfolio.
• Ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills, on a verbal and written basis, as well as executive level.
• Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion, and constructive interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and its impact on higher education and society.
• Understanding and commitment to the University's values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.

Recommendation:

• Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association.
• Experience in a University or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.
• Experience in process modernisation and transformation.

Termsofappointment:

The position of Executive Director is a 5-year contract appointment, with an executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further two terms of office, subject to performance.

RetirementAge:The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a full 5-year term.

To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.

Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: or emailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe -

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: / or email

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.