Wits Centre for Journalism seeks a director

The director will:
• Develop and implement the Wits Centre for Journalism’s strategic vision, ensuring it is innovative and responsive to a rapidly evolving academic and professional environment;
• Lead the academic project, overseeing the centre’s teaching offerings and research activities;
• Guide the development of the centre’s programmatic work, working with the Head of Programmes;
• Engage in teaching, research and advocacy in the field of journalism;
• Represent the centre in a range of public and other contexts and maintain sound relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• Lead and direct fundraising efforts and ensure good donor relationships;
• Provide financial oversight, working with university structures to ensure sound practices, accountability and compliance with university policy, working with the Head of Operations;
• Manage the centre’s staff, both full-time and part-time, working with the Head of Operations and section co-ordinators.

Requirements:
• S/he must show a track record of leadership and innovation and the ability to develop and implement the centre’s vision;
• Applicants should hold either a PhD, with a record of peer-reviewed research work commensurate with the seniority of the position (preferred) or demonstrate a substantial record of professional outputs and achievement. The formal academic rank for the individual who is eventually selected for the position shall be determined by the university in accordance with its rules and policies;
• A strong professional profile and significant experience in media, including at least 5 years in journalism and experience at senior levels;
• The successful applicant will have an excellent understanding of the unfolding media and journalism environment;
• Applicants should have teaching experience;
• S/he must have managerial competence. Experience in raising funds and managing donor relationships, the ability to represent the centre in multiple forums and experience in developing networks, collaborations and partnerships;
• Flexibility, adaptability, people skills, organised, attention to detail, enthusiasm, ability to innovate.

Enquiries Only: Professor Dan Ojwang (e-mail: Dan.Ojwang@wits.ac.za).

Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits  Self Service application Apply for a job

External applicants are invited to apply by registering a profile on the Wits ‘irecruitment’ platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting the application.

*The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the under-represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. Designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, means black people, women and people with disabilities.

WITS Employment Equity Policy: https://www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-university/footer/about-wits/transformation-office/documents/Policy%20-%20Employment%20Equity.pdf

Closing Date: 21 January 2022 (revised date)

Please note that only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting.
The University reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit standing. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with short-listed candidates.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.