Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading University of Technology in South Africa with over 34 400 students. DUT offers excellent, high quality and market-relevant academic programmes across six faculties. Tracing its roots back to 1907, DUT is a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus University that operates on five campuses in the vibrant port city of Durban and on two campuses in the provincial capital city of Pietermaritzburg.

Based in Durban, Durban University of Technology seeks to appoint a

EXECUTIVE DEAN (FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT)

The Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment will be a senior officer of the University and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning). In line with the University’s vision and overall objectives, the Executive Dean is expected to determine, articulate, implement and lead faculty-based strategic initiatives to enhance the faculty’s academic stature, reputation and performance in teaching/learning, research, innovation and engagement. Key traits of the Executive Dean include inspirational, innovative and enterprising academic leadership. It is expected that the Executive Dean will strengthen the faculties’ service ethic to students and its staff and build its engagement with industry, communities and government. As administrators, the Executive Dean is responsible for the academic integrity, administrative management, financial management, human resource and strategic.

Key responsibilities for the Executive Dean will include:

• Develops, research, design, and review of faculty and, where appropriate, institutional policies, procedures, plans and systems as required in line with relevant legislation, national standards and international best practices.
• Provides leadership in the formulation and monitoring of faculty related plans, processes and systems and goals.
• As part of the Institutes Academic leadership team, provides input to regional, national and international academic initiatives where appropriate.
• As structural and functional head of the faculty, oversees and monitors the effective implementation of institutional and university policies, procedures, plans and systems within the faculty.
• Provides specific, high-level, legally compliant strategic advice on faculty-related academic matters to the DVC for Teaching and Learning and to the Executive Management as may be required.
• Provides specific, high-level, legally compliant strategic advice on faculty-related academic matters to the DVC for Research, Innovation and Engagement and t o the Executive Management as may be required.
• Manages appeals, complaints, etc. from students, parents, employers.
• Manages staff appeals, complaints, grievances, etc., and conducts disciplinary enquiries as appropriate.
• Promotes equity and transformation within the faculty.
• Promotes congenial working relationships between staff in the faculty and with other academic and administrative departments.
• Manages the Faculty office by delegating specific responsibilities to Deputy Dean, e.g. registration, record keeping and qualification procedures.

The Executive Dean must have the following:

• A Doctorate in an appropriate discipline with a strong research profile that demonstrates leadership.
• At least ten (10) years’ work experience in the higher education environment of which five (5) years should have been in a senior academic management capacity.
• Relevant higher education leadership and managerial skills.

Ideal requirements:

• A strong record of initiating and managing collaborations and partnerships at local, regional and international levels.
• Proven record of being a respected senior academic leader.
• Sound knowledge of higher education and the higher education system in South Africa and internationally.

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 10^th October 2025 to  [email protected]