Executive Director: Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning

Job Details

• Expires 19 May 0 days left to apply

• Reference number: AP1045
• Province: Gauteng
• Type of engagement: Fixed term contract
• Posted: May 3rd
• Remuneration package: Remuneration is commensurate with the seniority of the Position

Background to Position

University of South Africa (UNISA) is publicly funded Higher Education Institution in South Africa dedicated to distance education. In keeping with its mandate as a Comprehensive, Open Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) Institution offering a variety of academic and career - focused programmes, UNISA is inviting applications for the position of Executive Director: Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning P3.

Purpose of the job:

To conceptualise, design and facilitate the execution of the department’s strategy and architecture in line with the UNISA 2016-2030 Strategy and CODeL Business

Job Description

        Key Performance Areas:

        KPA 1: Strategic Direction and Alignment:

• Conceptualising and designing the departmental strategy taking cognisance of the institutional strategy and the CODeL Business Model
• Conceptualising, designing operational plans and KPIs in support of the portfolio’s strategy and the institution’s overall vision and strategy
• Leading the implementation of the departmental strategy, plans and procedures to support the CODeL 2016-2030 Strategy
• Participating in the development of the University’s plan and model for tuition support and facilitation of learning services (in support of academic renewal, improved student success, improving graduateness, promoting social relevance and ensuring institutional responsiveness to national developmental imperatives)

         KPA 2: Conceptualisation, Leadership and Execution:

• Providing strategic thought leadership in all operations of the department from an overall perspective, which includes:
• The rendering of instructional support services, inclusive of the

                                provision of effective instructional programmes

                  provision of academic and allied professional staff development services

• The rendering of curriculum development and transformation services, inclusive of the

           provision of modules and curriculum design services 

           provision of building capacity for new and current academics and allied professional employees

           management and coordination of the submission of study (academic) material

• The rendering of highly professional language editing and translation services in the university's languages of teaching and learning and other institutional documents, inclusive of the:

          provision of languages services

          provision of translation services (such as the translation of study guides, tutorial letters and ad hoc documents)

• Conceptualising, designing, and implementing effective group and intergroup work and information systems
• Conceptualising and ensuring the implementing of University Teaching and Learning Development, the use of Open Education Resources (OERs) and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in teaching and learning 
• Ensuring that a culture supportive of Open Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) is created and maintained in all services.
• Ensuring the implementation of the conceptual framework for student learning and support as approved 
• Researching the national and international environment in respect of all matters pertaining to tuition support and facilitation of learning to determine leading trends and new developments 
• Keeping abreast of the external regulatory environment that governs the university e.g.
• Department of Higher Education, South African Qualifications Authority, and the Council on Higher Education and acting accordingly.
• Providing guidance, expertise, and advice to management on a formal and informal basis in respect of matters pertaining to tuition support and facilitation of learning 
• Managing the strategic relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders.

KPA 3: Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management

•  Managing the department’s resources efficiently, effectively, economically and in accordance with the relevant principles and policies of UNISA 
• Compiling and managing the departmental budget in line with the portfolio and Institutional budget
• Overseeing and monitoring departmental expenditure within budgeted parameters and reporting on variances periodically
• Directing and overseeing the funding of departmental operations and budgeted activities
• Managing the function’s resources sustainably in accordance with financial principles

KPA 4: People Management          

• Monitoring and ensuring that all staff in the department is orientated to the organisation, trained, skilled, retained and that their expertise is optimally applied.
• Formulating the people agenda in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources 
• Managing overall performance which includes conducting annual performance reviews of staff in accordance with the performance management process 
• Directing implementation of training and development programmes for staff, including personal development plans (PDPs) 
• Establishing a positive, healthy, and safe work environment and culture in accordance with the Transformation Charter 
• Directing implementation of the human resources policies, procedures, and practices
• Shaping staff requirements for the department which includes resourcing of programmes and initiatives
• Fostering an organisational culture and climate that is ethics and value driven

KPA 5: Governance and Reporting

• Monitoring and reporting on progress against departmental strategic initiatives 
• Monitoring and reporting on legislative and statutory compliance 
• Promoting sound institutional governance and participating in Institutional governance structures (Professional Citizenship)
• Guiding the development and implementation of policies and procedures 
• Compiling regular reports to Council, its committees, and other relevant structures
• Providing strategic leadership to the development of the annual performance review as is required by the Department of Higher Education Training (DHET) 
• Identifying risks relating to the field of responsibility and develop mitigating strategies
• Documenting and reporting on departmental specific matters to internal and external stakeholders.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements

    Qualification:

• Minimum of Doctorate Degree with a related discipline in the College

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in Higher Education and academia with at least 5 years in a middle management role. 

Application Requirement

Assumption of duty : As soon as possible

Salary: Remuneration is commensurate with the seniority of the Position

If interested, please submit your application to Academic Partners: edtuition@talenting.co.za

Telephone contact details:  Ms Genevieve Michel – 082 440 7009  

Closing date for applications: 19 May 2023

Kindly submit your Letter of Motivation with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae as well as:

• Completed Unisa Application Form
• All educational qualifications
• Identity document
• Proof of SAQA verification of foreign qualifications, where relevant.
• Contact details of three contactable references must be provided, one which must be from your present employer. Should you not be currently employed a contactable reference from your previous employer must be provided.

UNISA is not obliged to fill an advertised position. 

Late, incomplete and incorrect applications will not be considered.

We welcome applications from persons with disabilities.

Appointments will be made in accordance with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan and other applicable legislation.