Job Description

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY PERMANENT ACADEMIC STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION SCIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
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Duties and responsibilities:
In consultation with the Academic Head of Communication Science undertake the following:

• The design and redesign the curriculum by involving all relevant stakeholders.
• Develop new learning programmes in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
• Frequent and continues development and management of the operational plan of the Programmes.
• Provide general leadership in the Programmes and ensure academic coherence across all various modules of the programmes.
• Responsible for Financial Management (annual budgeting, financial planning, allocation of funds, and financial control), and deployment of the resources needed for maximum benefit to the delivery of the programmes.
• Motivate and lead employees in the Programmes to achieve transformation within the Programmes and the institution.
• Ensure that the activities of the Programmes are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of the University.
• Provide top-quality, research-informed facilitation of learning to ensure practise-based learning and improvement.
• Assume responsibility for the academic quality of the programmes.
• Manage curriculation processes of the programmes.
• Manage academic administration.
• Monitor and manage quality assurance of technology and innovation activities in the Programmes.
• Implement applicable governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of the University.
• Scholarship of high quality and specialised expertise.
• Provide teaching and learning to students.
• Conduct own research.
• Provide academic advice in terms of academic inquiries, amendments of year books, schedules, timetables, etc.
• Implement applicable governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of the University.
• Serve on the marketing committee of the faculty as necessary.
• Compile an annual marketing plan and budget, and plan the implementation thereof in cooperation with the support services concerned.
• Advertise the programmes in an appropriate manner.
• Compile marketing pamphlets or any suitable marketing material.
• Be involvde in the introduction of the programmes at road shows and open days.
• Liaise with authorities from practice, the professions, the private sector, etc. for the purpose of needs assessment and correlation of subject content with professional precepts.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in Communication Science or related field.
• Any full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the Department of Communication Science at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Recommendations:

• Exposure to programme development and academic advisory services will be an advantage.

Competencies
Key Competencies:

• Results oriented.

- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic thinking.

- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading.

- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.

• Building coalitions

- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Required Documents
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

Assumption of duties:
01 September 2025.
Closing date:
25 July 2025
Allowance:
The Programme Director allowance is payable, which is calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the relevant decision-making structures of the UFS. The value of the allowance is available on request.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9810 / 9814 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: UFS EEA13 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete 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.