Director, Environmental Learning Research Centre

About the role

The Department of Secondary and Post School Education at Rhodes University seeks a senior academic leader to head the Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC). The Director will provide strategic, academic and administrative oversight to advance research, teaching and community engagement in environment and sustainability education across Africa and the Global South.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the ELRC’s research agenda, ensuring production of high‑quality, locally relevant knowledge on environmental learning.
• Oversee teaching and curriculum development within the centre, fostering innovative learning approaches.
• Manage administrative functions, budgeting and staff development to sustain the centre’s operations.
• Build and nurture partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, public agencies and development organisations.
• Promote the dissemination of research outputs through publications, conferences and policy advocacy.

Required profile

• Doctoral degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Sustainability or a related field.
• Proven academic record at the level of Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in research centre or similar academic unit.
• Strong track record of research, teaching and community engagement in environmental or sustainability education.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a leading African research centre.
• Access to university resources and collaborative networks.
• Support for research funding and professional development.