Academic Planning and Innovation Lead

About the role

Lyceum College is looking for an Academic Planning and Innovation Lead in Randburg. The role provides institutional leadership in academic planning, programme direction and innovation, defining what the institution offers, how programmes are structured and how they stay relevant, compliant and responsive to market, policy and regulatory developments. It works at a strategic level, supporting the Academic Planning and Strategy Manager, the Programme Architecture and Quality Specialist and the Quality Assurance functions, and does not cover academic delivery, operational programme coordination or administrative quality assurance.

Key responsibilities

• Institutional academic strategy: define and approve the programme pipeline, lead portfolio rationalisation and expansion, support internationalisation and guide programme positioning.
• Curriculum architecture: set standards for curriculum structure and sequencing, approve programme frameworks and integrate Work Integrated Learning.
• Teaching and learning: develop the Teaching and Learning Framework, drive academic professional development and CPD, oversee academic literacies, assessment strategy and the Centre for Innovation in Teaching Excellence.
• Digital transformation: lead the digital agenda, promote digital pedagogies and learning technologies, and respond to 4IR trends.
• Compliance and qualifications: align programmes with HEQSF, NQF, CHE, DHET and SAQA requirements, maintain qualifications on the NQF, renew lapsed qualifications and oversee Recognition of Prior Learning with the Registrar.
• Performance data: build programme performance dashboards covering enrolment, throughput, retention and student success, using data analytics for planning and review.
• Workforce planning, internships and partnerships: lead academic partnerships, support internship programmes and coordinate industry and professional body partnerships.
• Governance: serve as Deputy Chair of the Academic Planning Committee and align Academic Planning, Faculties, Quality Assurance and the Registrar.

Required profile

• Honours degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Law, Political Sciences, International Relations or a related field.
• At least 2 years' experience in higher education.
• Experience in academic planning, programme development and quality assurance, and with South African accreditation processes (CHE, DHET).
• Strong understanding of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework and HEMIS reporting.
• Project management, academic programme design and curriculum development expertise; advanced report writing, data analysis and interpretation.
• Leadership, decisiveness and inclusivity; reports to the Chief Academic Officer and works with faculties, regulators and industry partners.