Director of Environmental Learning Research Centre

About the role

The Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC) at Rhodes University seeks a senior academic leader to serve as its Director. The role combines academic, administrative and strategic management to advance research, teaching, community engagement and partnership building in environment and sustainability education across Africa and the Global South.

Key responsibilities

• Provide academic and administrative leadership for the ELRC, ensuring its sustainability and growth.
• Oversee teaching and learning activities, curriculum development and supervision of postgraduate research.
• Lead research agenda, secure funding, and promote high‑quality knowledge production on environmental learning.
• Foster community engagement, advocacy and partnerships with public, development and private sector stakeholders.
• Manage staff, budgets, and reporting obligations in line with university policies.
• Represent the ELRC within the Faculty of Education and at national/international forums.

Required profile

• Qualified at the level of Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer in Education, Environmental Studies or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated record of research and publication in environment and sustainability education.
• Experience in academic leadership, programme development and external partnership building.
• Commitment to the university’s mission of creating a just and sustainable society.

Required skills