Executive Director: Research Development and Support (5-Year Contract)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan institution committed to transforming and serving humanity through innovation and the pursuit of knowledge. Guided by its ambitious UJ Strategy 2035, the University focuses on Societal Impact, Sustainability, Global Footprint, Partnerships, and Technology for the Future, aiming to be an international university of choice anchored in Africa and the global South.

About the Role

UJ is seeking an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader to serve as Executive Director: Research Development and Support. This is a 5-year fixed-term contract position, renewable based on performance, and is part of the University’s Executive Leadership Group. You will report directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation.

Based at the Doornfontein Campus in Johannesburg, this role holds strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Research Development and Support Division. You will be responsible for effectively stewarding the division to achieve excellence in all aspects of research and innovation, overseeing key sub-divisions including Strategic Research Support, Research Administration, Research Intelligence, and the Technology Transfer Office.

Key Responsibilities

As the Executive Director, you will be expected to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for research and innovation aligned with UJ’s mission and goals.
• Provide visionary leadership to advance the university’s research and innovation initiatives.
• Promote a strong culture of research excellence and innovation among faculties, researchers, and students.
• Manage all administrative aspects of research, including budgets, grants management, and research compliance.
• Strategically manage Research Development and Support, prioritising the commercialisation of research and innovation initiatives to grow funding, grants, intellectual property, and patents.
• Collaborate with faculties, institutes, and research centres to drive and support initiatives aligned with UJ’s Strategic Plans.
• Develop, update, articulate, and implement institutional research and innovation strategies.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Identify and pursue external research funding opportunities from national and international sources, collaborators, partners, government funders, and philanthropic organisations.
• Promote responsible conduct of research and ensure adherence to ethical principles.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the university’s research programmes.
• Sustain and strengthen national and international research and innovation partnerships and collaborations.
• Effectively manage administrative and professional support staff, including their development, recognition, retention, and recruitment.
• Ensure a collegial and supportive working environment within the division.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this executive position, you must have:

• A PhD / Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) or an equivalent qualification.
• Substantive and widely acknowledged academic/research stature.
• A minimum of 10 years of senior executive management experience at a research or academic institution within the higher education sector.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills, combined with deep knowledge, insights, and vision to support the academic community in driving cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Sound knowledge, insight, and vision of the national, regional, and international Higher Education research and innovation landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, both nationally and internationally.
• Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Proven leadership at all academic levels, including experience in staff recruitment, mentorship, and development.
• A strong capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic, and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.

Recommendations (Advantageous)

• Professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association.
• Experience within a University or comparable environment at both operational and strategic levels.

Terms of Appointment

This is a 5-year contract appointment. The successful candidate will receive an Executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with their experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed twice for further terms of office, subject to satisfactory performance.

The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a full 5-year term.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit the following:

1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. A comprehensive letter of motivation outlining your possible vision and strategic direction for this position.
3. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees.

Please ensure all required documents are attached. If applying for an academic position (which may include this executive role given its research focus), also attach a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to, and a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2025

Submit your application via email to: ExecutiveRecruitment@uj.ac.za

Alternatively, you can apply through the UJ website: https://jobs.uj.ac.za

For technical support with the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact PNET at 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments. The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to advertised positions. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.