Deputy Director: Short Learning Programmes

Leadership and management

• Lead and manage the department of Formal Programmes at the South Campus.
• Lead the delivery of Open Distance Learning programmes at the UFS.
• Plan strategic processes for the delivery of blended (off-campus) and online learning.
• Chair meetings of key committees at the South Campus.
• Lead and plan activities to support distance education students.
• Oversee quality of delivery of blended distance and online programmes.
• Lead facilitators and academic coordinators throughout programme delivery.
• Liaise with faculty deans and top management regarding distance education programme delivery.
• Manage assessment centre at the South Campus.

General administration

• Conduct strategic planning meetings with staff as well as regular appointments to guide staff.
• Attend monthly feedback meetings with Campus Principal about academic and non-academic administrative matters. Request special meetings for assistance regarding administrative matters if needed.
• Prepare reports on the delivery of open distance learning at the UFS on a regular basis.
• Oversee administration of off-campus venues and materials distribution.
• Oversee open distance learning marketing plans and execution.
• Manage meetings with external marketers.
• Manage and oversee the development of marketing material.
• Plan flexi programme and registration scheduling.
• Prepare website information.
• Chair examination committee for distance students at the South Campus.
• Prepare annual departmental budgets.
• Prepare tenders for external funders.

Academic administration

• Implement innovative activities to improve success and throughput rate of distance students.
• Provide line manager and programme staff with applicable reports on student participation.
• Manage training of academic coordinators; administrative coordinators; facilitators and mentors.
• Negotiate with module coordinators regarding strategic programme aspects and assist with problem solving.
• Liaise with programme committees in relevant faculties.
• Oversee academic time-tables for distance programmes.

People management

• Manage staff members in department of Formal Programmes, academic coordinators; centre coordinators; facilitators and online lead facilitators and mentors regarding delivery of programmes.

Client support

• Liaise and negotiate with external stakeholders on a strategic level.
• Support academic staff and students when problems need to be addressed and provide strategic leadership.
• Liaise with donors with regard to fundraising for formal distance education programmes.
• Write business plans
• Prepare and negotiate contracts with internal and external partners

Inherent requirements:

• Five (5) years' experience in a South African Higher Education environment, preferably at a South African university.
• Four (4) years' proven leadership experience in a distance education environment, preferably in a dual-mode institution.

Required competencies:

• Proven excellence in English academic language proficiency, both written and verbal.
• Proven mastery of the computer skills and software necessary for academic report writing, and visual presentation of research results.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in distance education methodologies.
• Knowledge and experience in data management and analysis.
• Proven management and co-ordination skills within a South African university context.
• The ability to work independently and under pressure.
• High level report writing skills.
• High levels of efficiency regarding computer literacy, including, MS Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Knowledge and experience of software systems typically used in the South African Higher Education context, i.e. Oracle PeopleSoft.
• Business acumen.
• Results oriented.
• Strategic thinking.
• Leading.
• Building coalitions.

Recommendations:

• PhD in Higher Education Studies, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience of administrative systems and procedures related to the internal and national accreditation of new Higher Education qualifications.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

19 October 2018.

Salary:

 The salary scale is available on request.  For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9962/2808/9329.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

General:

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The University subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific department / division.

Applications may only be submitted online. All applications must be accompanied by the following:

• a detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter (please note that the first three (3) referees on your CV will be contacted with regard to reference checking);
• certified copies (not older than 3 months) of all academic records;
• certified copies (not older than 3 months) of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications);
• a certified copy (not older than 3 months) of your identity document (ID).

The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete or sent by fax or e-mail, will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.