Head: Academic Operations

Direct Reporting Line:
Campus Deputy Head: Academic

Emeris consolidates resources and expertise from IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE-Vega School, and IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management, with a unified approach ensuring a consistent standard of excellence in teaching, learning, and student support.

Emeris, Newlands Campus has a vacancy for a Head: Academic Operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance

• Manages the academic delivery on campus in collaboration with the Head: Academic
• Oversees the implementation of academic and related policies.
• Ensures compliance (policy and other) within all areas of academic operations
• Maintains and develops relationships with all stakeholders including students, parents, lecturers and other staff and ensures resolution of queries within a committed time frame
• Approves all departmental documentation distributed to student and external stakeholders in line with the approval process of the brand

Operational Programme Management

• Works closely together with Head: Student Experience and Head: Academic in all areas of responsibility to maintain open communication regarding programme delivery and the student and lecturer experience e.g. at risk meetings
• Highlights any challenges found in relation to programme material and assessments with the outcome of achieving an improved student and lecturer experience
• Ensures proper sign off of all students eligible for graduation in line with the required standards for the qualification

Student Support

• Ensures the operational needs of a student are handled timeously and are responded to by the relevant Academic Operations staff in accordance with a student centred approach
• Represents the Academic Operations department on the VC Voice Committee
• Responsible for student retention in collaboration with the Head: Academic

Independent Contractor (Lecturer & Invigilator) Operational Support

• Management of any liaison with the Academic team regarding any lecturer concerns which may arise from student consultations
• Ensures all lecturer requirements are met regarding the operational delivery of programmes in conjunction with the various Centres of Excellence
• Works closely with the Head: Academic in ensuring lecturer allocations are completed timeously so the timetabling process may begin in accordance with the timelines that support the timetabling project in line with programme start dates
• Holds the role of 2nd line approver for all invigilator claims/timesheets

Departmental Management

• Manages operational reviews and guides the process of identifying and correcting areas of operational risk
• Co-ordinates The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) requests, e.g. implementing a policy change
• Assists the Head: Academic in the compilation of the academic operations budget regarding allocation of groups in relation to campus targets and the accommodation schedule
• Responsible for campus compliance in respect of Group Internal Audits or any other audit which may present operational compliance and manages improvement plans
• Performs general management duties including managing staff performance, overtime, staff leave and staff morale etc
  
• Manages Academic Operations meetings including drawing up agendas and chairing the Academic Operations meetings
• Manages focus group sessions with the different centres where challenges and improvements on existing processes are discussed
• Responsible for the efficient running and service delivery of the various Centres of Excellence as well as to ensure that all student queries are resolved in a timeous and efficient manner
• Ensures that all policy updates are communicated to the Student Relations Relations Centre and that students are informed accordingly
• Responsible for providing training and onboarding of new and existing staff within the Centres of Excellence (where applicable)
• Recruits staff for all Centres of Excellence (where applicable)
• Implements strategies to accommodate growth, improved student experience and eliminate risk within Academic Operations
• Ensures compliance to The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) legislation relevant to the Academic Operations department
• Acts as an Investigating Officer in investigating any complaints of a disciplinary nature

Competencies Required:

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Problem solving skills
• Financial analysis
• Public speaking/presentation skills
• Best suited to a friendly, organised person who works accurately and is able to handle pressure
• Leadership skills
• Time management skills

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of Advanced Diploma or Bachelors Degree (NQF Level 7)
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years management experience
• 4 years academic operations experience

Salary:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. 
  

Benefits:

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Provident fund contributions, including Death & Funeral Cover, to support your financial well-being and future planning.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well-deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response:

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support:

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance: 

Emeris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. However, preference may be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act. The company reserves the right to close or place the vacancy on hold at any time, without prior notice.

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