head of school

Description
Job Title HEAD OF SCHOOL Location Johannesburg,ZA Organization Name Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management Department Description

FACULTY OF COMMERCE, LAW & MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL OF LAW

HEAD OF SCHOOL

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 Law subject areas. The School 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.

The successful candidate will be offered an appointment for a period of up to five years, with a possibility of re-appointment. The Head of School will provide the academic leadership and management required to enable the School, Clinic and centres to maintain their excellence.

Brief Description

Qualifications and experience: Applicants will hold a PhD in Law or cognate discipline with a record of accredited publications, postgraduate supervision and teaching in Law. Applicants should be established with sufficient academic standing needed for 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 be required to 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. The Head with their management team must maintain excellence in the School's undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, professional development short courses, research activities and community outreach, including the contribution of its centres and academic divisions. The Head will be an empathetic leader who will maintain a cohesive School and must enjoy the confidence of the School to take responsibility for student affairs, staff development and transformation, and relationships with diverse external stakeholders. They will also be 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, to develop its professional staff, achieve the School's strategic goals and ensure its sustainability.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare and present on a five-year plan for the School in line with the above duties, at a seminar attended by members of the School and Faculty. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited 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.

For Enquiries, please contact Professor Jason Cohen at

For further information on the School:

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

To Apply
Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

Please 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.

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.

***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.***
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