Chief Director: Teaching and Learning (N001511)
Listing reference: nwu_003494
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 4 June 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Potchefstroom
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
About our company
NWU
Introduction
The Chief Director co-determines the Teaching and Learning strategy and takes joint accountability for the implementation of a unitary strategy across multi-campus operations. The incumbent should achieve this through innovative research, and scientifically based practices and processes for academic development of staff and students, curriculum design and development, and the development and support of the teaching and learning environment. He/she should promote the achievement of the teaching and learning strategy and the success model of the NWU and aligned with National frameworks and priorities.
Job description
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Vision for teaching and learning
· Participate in the development and implementation of the teaching and learning strategy at NWU.
· Direct the development, implementation and review of teaching and learning policies, strategies and practices.
· Steer the development of the physical and digital teaching and learning environment to ensure future-oriented
and state-of-the art teaching and learning spaces.
· Provide strategic leadership on professional academic development.
· Provide strategic leadership on student academic development.
· Provide strategic leadership on the innovative use of technology.
· Provide strategic leadership on the size and shape of the PQM pertaining to sites and modes of delivery.
· Provide strategic input on the implementation of the national multilingual language framework in the teaching
and learning environment.
· Manage and oversee special academic projects, including initiatives aimed at improving teaching and learning
infrastructure, curriculum innovation, and faculty development.
Teaching and Learning
· Ensure compliance, monitoring and reporting on curriculum, design development and delivery.
· Coordinate the contribution and effective rollout of the teaching and learning support services, including, the
Language Directorate, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, digital platforms and academic grants
administration; to enable effective teaching and learning.
· Direct the development, implementation and review of academic policies and practices.
· Launch strategic initiatives to enhance teaching and learning and integrate digital innovation and generative AI
tools.
· Assist the DVC with the integration of the learning management systems, digital resources, and interactive
platforms to continually improve the online learning environment.
· Assist the DVC with the development of the physical learning environment to enhance hybrid learning.
· Coordinate institutional participation in sectoral projects and initiatives in curriculum design and development.
· Oversee the external application process of qualifications, lead and advise faculties on program and qualification
design.
· Implement effective strategies to enhance student success.
· Assist with the implementation and monitoring of an academic staff workload model.
Continuous Professional Development
· Promote the scholarship of teaching and learning.
· Direct teaching excellence award and recognition schemes.
· Advise faculty deans and academic managers on leadership and mentorship in teaching and learning.
· Engage with key stakeholders and administrative leaders, to ensure that teaching and learning policies are
inclusive, well-informed, and reflective of the needs of the academic community.
Student Academic Development and Support
· Promote and support services for all students and quality assurance practices that promote the student learning
experience.
· Oversee the development and / or provision of high-quality student academic development and support
programmes and academic skills development services and activities.
· Promote the provision of academic support, development and advice to all students.
Management and leadership skills
· Enhance the skills profile and professional development of academic support staff.
· Manage team composition, effectiveness and efficiency.
· Manage stakeholder relationship development and effectiveness.
· Manage the budget and expenditure.
· Manage value-based behaviour, leadership and personal compliance.
· Assist in ensuring the EE targets in the portfolio are reached.
External liaison and stakeholder engagement
· Represent the NWU on stakeholders’ engagements.
· Engage convocation and alumni and teaching and learning matters.
Minimum requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
· A PhD (NQF level 10).
· A minimum of ten (10) years’ academic/teaching and learning experience.
· A minimum of six (6) years’ management experience within an academic environment.
· A proven track record of engagement in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
· Demonstrated ability to direct the development and implementation of strategy and strategic projects.
· Excellent managerial skills, including the management of human resources.
· Thorough understanding of the theory and practice of teaching and learning in higher education.
· Knowledge of approaches to academic professional development and student support.
· Established track record of relevant research in teaching and learning theory and practice.
· Well developed information and communication technology proficiency.
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
· Sound negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
· Ability to combine strategic thoughts and results driven action.
· Personal impact, statute and credibility.
· Emotional intelligence.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Linda Du Plessis on 016 910 3100
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Lionel Eksteen on 018 285 2104
CLOSING DATE: 4 June 2025
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
