Head of Department- Emerging Technologies

2 weeks ago


Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Job Crystal Full time R1 200 000 - R2 400 000 per year
Job Intro Head of Department- Emerging Technologies - Durban, KZN Kwazulu Natal

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven academic leader to serve as Head of Department (HOD) for Emerging Technologies. The HOD will function as a senior academic and operational leader within the Faculty of Information Technology, providing strategic and academic oversight for all modules that fall under the Department of Emerging Technologies, across both contact and distance learning modalities. The incumbent will be responsible for academic design and delivery, quality assurance, and performance management of departmental programmes. In addition, they will lead curriculum innovation, guide research initiatives, foster lecturer development, and ensure both operational and academic excellence within the department. The HOD will be expected to inspire and cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence, driving student success and positioning the department at the forefront of technological and educational advancement. Job Specification  

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management
  • Provide visionary leadership in the areas of teaching, learning, research, and community engagement within the Department of Emerging Technologies.
  • Collaborate closely with the Dean to define and execute departmental strategic goals aligned with the institution's broader vision and mission.
  • Champion curriculum innovation to ensure a balance between rigorous theoretical foundations and practical, industry-relevant application across all emerging technology domains.
  • Develop and implement departmental teaching and learning strategies, ensuring adaptability and quality across a diverse and evolving curriculum.
  • Lead and manage departmental budgeting and resource allocation to support academic and operational priorities effectively.
  • Co-develop an annual student success plan with the Dean, focusing on improving throughput and retention rates while addressing the unique challenges posed by the department's broad module set.
Offer  

Operational and Academic Management
  • Oversee and manage academic and support staff across all campuses and distance learning platforms, ensuring equitable workload distribution and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
  • Coordinate with campus and faculty leadership to streamline operational efficiency and maintain academic standards.
  • Address and resolve staff-related matters, including grievances, performance management, and professional development, with a focus on continuous upskilling in emerging technologies.
  • Manage and resolve student queries and complaints, ensuring a positive and supportive academic environment.
  • Supervise secure and rigorous assessment, moderation, and quality assurance processes across all modules under the department.
Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Development
  • Teach 12–15 hours per week, actively contributing to academic delivery and maintaining direct engagement with students.
  • Lead the design and development of teaching and learning materials that reflect current technological trends and future industry needs.
  • Promote and implement innovative teaching methodologies and technologies, including online and blended learning strategies.
  • Enhance qualification and curriculum design, addressing feedback and evaluation findings to continuously improve programme quality and relevance.
  • Develop strategies to improve student success rates, optimising teaching approaches across multiple emerging technology domains.
  • Actively engage in enrolment planning and contribute to academic transformation and development initiatives led by the Group Chief Academic Officer.
External Engagement and Partnerships
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders to align departmental offerings with real-world needs and to enhance graduate employability.
  • Engage with regulatory bodies, professional councils, and industry associations relevant to emerging technologies.
  • Collaborate with the Dean to promote the department through targeted marketing, community outreach, and partnerships with alumni and external stakeholders.
  • Support internationalisation efforts, positioning the department as a market leader in emerging technology education locally and globally.
Leadership and Governance
  • Share accountability with the Dean and campus leadership for faculty performance and strategic growth, including infrastructure and facilities management.
  • Contribute to corporate governance, risk management, and strategic planning to ensure effective departmental operations and compliance with institutional standards.
  • Manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure cost-effective delivery of programmes.
  • Promote the professional and personal development of academic staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Lead with integrity and exemplify values-based leadership, inspiring excellence and commitment throughout the department.
Personal Attributes
  • High integrity, with a positive, enthusiastic, and inspiring approach to leadership.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage diverse audiences effectively.
  • Results-driven and decisive, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Collaborative and supportive, able to build and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
  • Innovative, forward-thinking, and adaptable, with a strong awareness of global trends in emerging technologies and higher education.
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities within a complex and dynamic academic environment.
  • Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to motivate others to achieve departmental objectives and meet deadlines.
Minimum Requirements
  • Master's degree in a relevant field; a PhD (or significant progress toward one) in an emerging technology discipline is highly desirable.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in higher education, with substantial exposure to academic leadership and management, preferably within emerging technologies.
  • Proven track record of scholarship, research, and publications in areas such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, or other relevant fields.
  • Demonstrated ability to lecture 12–15 hours per week within a complex, multi-module framework.
  • Experience in mentoring, coaching, and managing academic staff.
  • Expertise in quality assurance and assessment processes for both contact and distance learning environments.
  • Evidence of successful contributions to student success and retention within broad curricula.
  • Ability to supervise postgraduate research.
  • Professional registration with relevant industry bodies (where applicable).
  • Willingness and ability to be based at a national campus, contributing directly to academic delivery and operational excellence.
  • Capability to design and deliver executive education programmes aligned with industry needs.
Monthly Salary: Market related

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