Job Description

Direct Reporting Line:
Deputy Director: Postgraduate and Research CentreVarsity College, Vega and IIE MSA are educational brands of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The IIE enjoys the reputation of being at the forefront of private higher education in South Africa and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide higher education qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).The Postgraduate and Research Centre is seeking a Head of Programme in the Faculty of Commerce. The successful candidate will be based at IIE MSA and will be responsible for overseeing and managing the institution's Master's programmes including the Master of Business Administration (MBA).Duties and Responsibilities:Academic Leadership and Management

• Management of the NQF level 9 or NQF level 10 qualification from application to graduation in collaboration with the relevant Academic Support Coordinator.
• Align with and contribute to the strategic plan of the Postgraduate and Research Centre, in context of the Combined Institution and its vision.
• Continuously track local and global developments in the field and in postgraduate studies to ensure curricula and practices meet stakeholders current and future needs.
• Coordinate the curriculum development in collaboration with the centre leadership, and the Deans and Deputy Deans in the combined institution.
• Identify, brief and monitor module developers and instructional designers and quality assure their outputs.
• Analyse and report on academic results in context of institutional targets and external benchmarks: throughput rates, progression rates, graduation and completion rates and ensure appropriate interventions are planned and implemented where necessary.
• Identify moderators for designated modules, review moderators' feedback and advise problem-solving strategies when required.
• Manage Quality Assurance (e.g. Peer Reviews, Standardisation Meetings, Programme Reviews, External moderation or examiner reports to provide evidence-based guidance).
• Track and report on programme performance (e.g. Progress Reports) and stakeholder feedback.
• Participate in key governance structures and committees (e.g. PCC, Academic Planning and Development Committee, Brands Results, Postgraduate and Research committee).
• Provide specialist knowledge and support to the national marketing, sales and communication team in planning and managing the promotion of the programme.
• Lead and manage any additional specific projects as planned and agreed on.

Industry and Reputation Building

• Act as brand ambassador to external stakeholders in the field/discipline to create programme opportunities and build the programme community.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry in the discipline.
• Serve as the key liaison with professional and academic partners in the field/discipline.
• Identify and facilitate professional and scholarly activities.
• Serve on appropriate external partner faculty boards, committees and professional bodies.
• Provide thought leadership - e.g. produce opinion pieces, participate in relevant industry workshops and deliver at conferences.

Programme Delivery

• Lecture or co-lecture at least one module on a NQF level 9 programme or deliver and supervise in specialist field to serve as an exemplar of best practice.
• Identify, approve and orientate leading academics/practioners/supervisors to deliver on the programme and/or to participate in programme development.
• Plan program delivery and assessment schedule and guide coordination.
• Lead and implement (guide) relevant and contemporary teaching and learning initiatives based on current industry and research trends to build a programme community.
• Plan resource allocation for all aspects of running a successful programme.

Postgraduate Research and Student Output

• Support and co-assess research interest in the application process.
• Coordinate postgraduate research activities and collaborate with the Deputy Director towards alignment: IIE007 activities including academic seminars, reader reports, HDCs, NAC appointment etc.
• Provide information, where requested, to the relevant Academic Support Coordinator to ensure the postgraduate tracker and progress reports are updated.
• Liaise with the relevant Academic Support Coordinator to appoint key role players (i.e. supervisors, readers, external examiners).

Research, Community Engagement and Scholarly contribution

• Participate in external programme reviews, moderation and examination.
• Actively contribute towards the research output of the institution - meet individually agreed upon target.
• Actively contribute towards the community engagement imperative of the Postgraduate and Research Centre and the Combined Institution.
• Administer research funds, where applicable.

Competencies required:

• Leadership and collaboration skills
• Professional communication skills
• Organisational planning and project management skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret data
• Attention to quality and detail

Minimum Education Requirement:

• A completed PhD or a PhD in progress, with anticipated completion by the end of 2024, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

Minimum Work Experience Requirement:

• Minimum of 5 years Teaching and Learning experience (preferably in postgraduate studies in Higher Education environment).
• Qualifications and experience in academic work relevant to the programme discipline.
• Some industry experience related to the field/programme discipline
• Managerial and/or coordination experience at a postgraduate level

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday : 08:00 -17: 00
• Alternate Saturdays as required.

Salary:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Provident fund contributions, including Death & Funeral Cover, to support your financial well-being and future planning.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well-deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response:

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support:

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance :

The IIE's Varsity College, IIE Vega and IIE MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer . However, preference will be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act.

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