Job Description

(5-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)
Advert reference: uj_002019
Advert status: Online
Apply by: 31 July 2025
Position Summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: Education and Training
Campus: Doornfontein Campus
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
EE position: EE
Level: Executive
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasizes Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ's mission is "To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge." The University is guided by the vision of building "An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future"
Job description
The university seeks to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader of high professional and academic standing as Executive Director: Research Development and Support. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, the Executive Director is a member of the University's Executive Leadership Group and has strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Research Development and Support Division. The Executive Director must effectively and collegially steward the Division to achieve in all aspects related to research and innovation while overseeing the following sub-divisions: Strategic Research Support, Research Administration, Research Intelligence and the Technology Transfer Office.
The Executive Director will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for research and innovation in alignment with the university's mission and goals.
• Provide visionary leadership to advance the university's research and innovation initiatives.
• Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation among faculties, researchers and students.
• Manage the administrative aspects of research, including budgets, grants management, and research compliance.
• Strategically manage Research Development and Support as well as prioritise the Commercialization aspect of the Research and Innovation initiatives, and grow this area and opportunity for funding, grants, intellectual property and patents.
• In partnership with the faculties, institutes and research centres, drive or support initiatives to realise the University's Strategic Plans.
• Develop, update, articulate and implement institutional research and innovation strategies.
• Promote and advance excellence in research and innovation.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialisation of research.
• Identify and pursue external research funding opportunities from national and international funding sources, collaborators, partners, government funders and philanthropic support.
• Promote responsible conduct of research and adherence to ethical principles.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the university's research programmes.
• Sustain and strengthen national and international research and innovation partnerships and collaborations.
• Collaborate with other universities, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to enhance research opportunities and partnerships.
• Effectively manage administrative and professional support staff, including staff development (recognition, retention and recruitment)
• Ensure a collegial and supportive working environment.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD / Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) or equivalent.
• Substantive and acknowledged academic/research stature.
• Senior executive management experience (at least 10 years) at a research or academic institution within the higher education sector.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insights and vision to support the academic community and leadership in the University's drive to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector-Research and Innovation landscape, nationally, regionally and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• Ability to manage the portfolio's finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment mentorship and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resillience to function under pressure.

Recommendations

• Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association
• Experience in a University or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.

Terms of appointment:
The position of Executive Director is a 5-year contract appointment, with an Executive- level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed twice for further terms of office, subject to performance.
Retirement Age:
The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term.
Application:
To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.
Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: or e-mailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe -