University of Stellenbosch Business School

Director

(Ref: EBW04/304/1019) 

The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is a triple crown (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) accredited African business school of global repute. We hold a proud legacy of responsible leadership development for societal impact. We seek to appoint a new Director to take forward the School’s vision to be globally recognised as a source of value for a better world through business knowledge advancement and transformative learning. The School subscribes to the University’s vision to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society. 

The Director is responsible for upholding and promoting a dynamic intellectual culture in unison with the shaping of business practice and strong business relations. The incumbent will be a person who has the necessary background, standing, networks and abilities to inspire from the front and motivate others to be their best.

Key responsibilities:

The Director needs to deliver in six key areas, aligned with Stellenbosch University’s six strategic themes:

Thriving Stellenbosch University and USB

• Actively advance sound governance;
• Expand the School’s strong reputation by strengthening its brand and competitive positioning;
• Chair the School’s Management Committee and serve as a member of the School’s Management Team;
• Cultivate and generate revenue streams by pursuing external funding, sponsorships and income generating activities through an entrepreneurial outlook;
• Ensure the effective and efficient operational management of the School;

A transformative student experience

• Spearhead digital and other innovative learning experiences
• Foster outstanding student experiences
• Manage local and international quality assurance processes

Networked and collaborative teaching and learning

• Continually enhance the quality of the academic portfolio with relevant and flexible programme design, delivery, evaluation and client service;

Purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks

• Lead and expand a dynamic intellectual culture with a seamless business interface;
• Enhance the international standing of the School, staff, students and programmes;
• Advance the School’s involvement in the business, government and societal sectors;
• Harness sound relations with alumni;
• Strengthen the successful partnership with USB-ED and other institutional role players;

Research for impact

• Cultivate and nurture research excellence;
• Create a hub of intellectual stimulation for and with business;

Employer of choice

• Stimulate and develop a dynamic intellectual culture;
• Enlist a network of key academic and support staff;
• Empower and encourage staff to share their talent.

Requirements for appointment:

• Proven success as an all-round academic including a doctoral qualification, or a Master’s degree with a professional qualification, to enable appointment at the professorial level;
• Demonstrated success in the field of academic management and/or high-level management within a corporate environment;
• A track record of strategic management;
• High level values-driven and dynamic leadership skills;
• Evidence of the ability to initiate, grow and develop a healthy intellectual culture where students and staff can flourish;
• Competence in attracting, management and retention of talent;
• Ability to effect positive change;
• Demonstrated capability to maintain and develop successful partnerships, institutionally, nationally and internationally;
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English;
• Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills;
• Experience in utilising and developing governance mechanisms;
• A critical understanding of the ever-changing requirements of the business community;
• The ability to embrace and promote inclusivity and work in a multi-cultural environment with a keen understanding of the South African context;
• Ability and willingness to do extensive local and international travel.

Term of appointment: Five-year term as Director, with the possibility of re-appointment for another term. Upon successful completion of the term(s), the incumbent will have the opportunity to take up an academic appointment in the School.

Commencement of duties: 1 October 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 13 December 2019

Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof Ingrid Woolard, Dean: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on 021 808 2248 or at

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Complete applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent by email to

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before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (please ensure that your application includes all of the documents listed below):

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae;
• A document in which candidates outline their vision of the USB’s future, as well as their contribution to such a future in the context of the University’s Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024 (available at: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/about-us/strategic-documents);
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship;
• Names and contact details of three referees;
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed;
• Certified copies of certificates.

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of staff, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments, and should therefore be willing to oblige.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

Posted on 01 Nov 11:00