The University of Cape Town (UCT), situated in South Africa and recognized as Africa's leading university, is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. This faculty is internationally renowned for its excellence in scholarship, research, creative practice, and critical inquiry. The Dean will be responsible for providing visionary academic and strategic leadership, advancing UCT's Strategy 2030, and strengthening the faculty's position as a leading center of teaching, scholarship, and public engagement.
The successful candidate will be expected to champion academic excellence, student success, curriculum renewal, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful scholarship. They will also ensure sound governance, financial stewardship, and organizational sustainability. As Chair of the Faculty Board, the Dean will provide strategic leadership for the faculty's governance, academic direction, and organizational performance. This will involve ensuring the effective implementation of university policies, academic regulations, and institutional priorities.
The Dean will also serve on the Baxter Theatre Board, supporting its contribution to the Faculty, the University, and the broader cultural sector. As a member of the University's senior leadership team, the Dean will contribute to institutional leadership and decision-making, working collaboratively to advance the University's mission, values, and strategic priorities. The Dean may also be called upon to undertake broader institutional leadership responsibilities, including acting for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, where required.
To qualify for the position, applicants must have a PhD qualification in an appropriate discipline represented within the faculty or an appropriate professional equivalent. They must also have an outstanding record of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including postgraduate supervision and the successful graduation of Master's and PhD students. A distinguished record of scholarship, research, and/or creative practice within a discipline represented in the faculty is also required.
The University is looking for a candidate with a clearly articulated strategic vision for the future of the faculty, aligned with the University's strategic priorities. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to provide values-based, inclusive, and accountable leadership, inspiring high-performing academic and professional communities. They will also need to have strong communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
The initial term of appointment of a Dean is for five years, with a maximum limit of one contract renewal, subject to performance assessment. On conclusion of the term of office as Dean, the appointee may be offered a permanent position in the appropriate academic department. The 2026 annual cost of employment, including benefits, is appropriate to the Senior Executive level.
To apply, candidates should visit the UCT Jobs Site and complete and attach the required documents, including a motivation letter, a statement on their potential contribution as Dean, their full curriculum vitae, and the HR204 application form for Senior Executive Posts. The closing date for applications is 23 October 2026. UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets.
Key points
- The University of Cape Town seeks an outstanding academic leader to serve as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
- The successful candidate will be expected to champion academic excellence, student success, and impactful scholarship.
- The initial term of appointment of a Dean is for five years, with a maximum limit of one contract renewal.
