Director of Business School (5-year Fixed-Term)

About the role

The Nelson Mandela University Business School seeks a visionary leader to steer the School through a pivotal growth phase. Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Director will shape strategic direction, enhance international reputation, and ensure financial sustainability over a five‑year fixed‑term contract.

Key responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership, overseeing learning, teaching and programme quality.
• Lead research and innovation initiatives, implementing the School’s research strategy.
• Drive commercialisation of knowledge assets and ensure relevance of programmes.
• Optimise human resources by managing academic and administrative staff.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to attract regional, national and international students.
• Steward financial resources and ensure fiscal viability.
• Design and manage the School’s internationalisation strategy.
• Oversee student access, success measures and economic viability initiatives.

Required profile

• Transformative senior leader with proven experience in higher‑education management.
• Track record of strategic positioning and growth of academic programmes.
• Strong ability to engage with business and industry partners, especially in the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
• Demonstrated competence in research leadership and commercialisation.
• Excellent governance and financial stewardship skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a top‑ranked African business school.
• Supportive academic environment with international accreditation (AMBA, EDAMBA).
• Competitive fixed‑term contract with resources to drive innovation.