"Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic (DVC: Academic)"

Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications from visionary, values-driven, and collaborative academic leaders for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic (DVC: Academic).

As a globally connected, research-intensive institution, SU advances knowledge in service of society and strives to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university—globally recognised for excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Guided by Vision 2040 and relevant strategicframeworks, SU is committed to delivering transformative learning experiences, fostering academic excellence, and cultivating graduates who contribute meaningfully to a sustainable, equitable, and globally engaged future.

Reporting directly to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the DVC: Academic serves as the University’s chief academic leader for learning and teaching. The incumbent provides intellectual and strategic thought leadership across the academic enterprise, promoting synergy between research (including postgraduate supervision), teaching, learning, and social impact. The role advances a transformative approach to student success, ensuring that learning and teaching at SU remain inclusive, future-focused, and globally relevant. The DVC: Academic works closely with the DVC responsible for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dean of Students, Faculty Deans, and members of the University Rectorate, to drive the University’s academic endeavours.

The DVC: Academic will be forward thinking and champion academic excellence and innovation across the undergraduate and postgraduate continuum, lead curriculum renewal and quality assurance, and strengthen academic planning and resource alignment. The incumbent will be at the forefront of digital transformation by developing and driving strategies for continuous, hybrid, and online learning, short-course offerings, and micro-credentialling, while fostering an academic culture that promotes belonging, wellbeing, holistic student support and success and academic achievement.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring and creative leader with a distinguished scholarly record, demonstrated executive experience in complex academic environments, and a deep understanding of the evolving higher-education landscape— both locally and internationally. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Stellenbosch University’s academic journey, advancing the institution’s mission of excellence, transformation, and social impact.

Duties:

The DVC: Academic assumes overarching responsibility for:

• Providing academic leadership that advances excellence, inclusivity, innovation and renewal in learning and teaching.
• Developing and implementing strategies aligned with SU’s Vision 2040 and relevant strategic frameworks to strengthen academic coherence, relevance, and quality.
• Positioning learning and teaching as central to the University’s contribution to society, and promoting synergy between research, teaching, learning, and social impact.
• Leading academic planning, curriculum renewal, and quality assurance, including liaising with relevant regulatory, accreditation, and endorsement bodies, to ensure that programmes remain responsive to national priorities and global trends, promoting graduate employability.
• Overseeing strategic enrolment management, from recruitment and admission through student progression and success, in alignment with institutional capacity, transformation, and sustainability goals.
• Developing and driving strategies for continuous learning, hybrid learning, online learning, short courses, and micro-credentialling.
• Fostering a transformative academic culture that promotes belonging, wellbeing, academic achievement and holistic student support and success across the undergraduate and postgraduate continuum.
• Guiding decisions on the size, shape, and differentiation of the academic portfolio to support institutional sustainability and growth.
• Strengthening the integration of academic planning with resource allocation, infrastructure planning, and human-capital development.
• Advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning and promoting innovative, technology-enhanced pedagogies.
• Strengthening private and public partnerships with faculties, professional services, and external stakeholders to enhance academic impact and social relevance.
• Ensuring effective stewardship of people, finances, and other resources within the academic environment.

Requirements:

• Currently a professor eligible for appointment as full Professor at Stellenbosch University and having an acknowledged academic standing.
• At least five years’ experience in senior executive leadership in an academic institution of comparable scale and complexity.
• Proven management experience in a large, multifaceted academic environment.
• Proven capacity to provide dynamic, strategic, and visionary leadership in the areas of responsibility.
• A solid understanding of the South African and international higher education system, contexts and trends.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strategically relevant institutional partnerships and alliances at national and international levels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills within a diverse academic environment.
• Strong interpersonal relations and the ability to lead collaboratively within a senior management team.
• Proven commitment to institutional transformation and redress through, among others, the diversification of staff and student communities.
• The ability to function effectively within a multilingual and multicultural environment, in accordance with the University’s language policy.
• The ability to represent the University’s academic interests at local, regional, national, and international levels.
• International experience and qualifications will be an added advantage.

As part of the interview process, provisionally shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation to the Senior Appointments Committee. The topic of the presentation will be shared with the provisionally shortlisted candidates. Applicants on the final shortlist will be required to present to Senate and IF, and Council.

Term of Office: The appointment is for a five (5) year fixed term with the possibility of reappointment for a further term. A fallback option to the successful candidate’s academic department exists.

Commencement of duties: 01 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 19 December 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Mienke du Plessis at mienke@sun.ac.za

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753, or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to adsmanager@sun.ac.za before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A covering letter indicating how you meet the requirements.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
• Your vision for SU.
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
• Certified copies of qualifications and certificates.
• Details of at least five referees.
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.

By applying for the position, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted that the recruitment, selection, and appointment process for the position will be conducted in accordance with the University’s Regulations for the Appointment and Reappointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and you affirm your commitment to adhere to the Regulations and to engage constructively in the selection process.

By applying for the position, you warrant that you have no prior employment disciplinary record nor any matters that the University should be made aware of (whether in relation to your academic or personal integrity or otherwise) which may influence its consideration of your application. Furthermore, you consent to any background checks relevant to your application on your academic background (including but not limited to your qualifications and verification of your publications). You also consent to checks on your disciplinary record, criminal history, and insolvency status. By providing this consent, you understand that the University may verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application and that any discrepancies discovered may impact on your candidacy for the position.

Candidates are required to provide a list of referees who can speak to their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Senior Appointments Committee may, at their discretion, contact referees listed by the applicants for additional information. In addition, to ensure a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process, the Senior Appointments Committee reserves the right to make inquiries with other relevant persons who are not listed as referees by the applicants, if deemed appropriate. Any such enquiries will be handled in a discreet and confidential manner.

Candidates may be required to make themselves available for extensive leadership assessments.

The University is committed to the advancement of diversity and employment equity. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.

Due to the University recess period over December and January, candidates should not expect feedback on their application prior to 15 January 2026.