Academic Programme Leader (Bachelor of Science: Information Technology) at Mancosa

About the position

Introduction

MANCOSA, a DHET registered and CHE-accredited private higher education distance education provider, offering undergraduate and postgraduate business qualifications, has the following vacancy available in their School Of Information and Digital Technology: Academic Programme Leader: Bachelor of Science: Information Technology

Duties & Responsibilities

To provide efficient direction and oversight for a particular academic programme. This position involves a range of duties focused on guaranteeing the programme's success and excellence, while also providing support for the academic and professional development of students and the school. Additionally, the role specifically requires leadership of a programme, which will encompass the following aspects: Programme Management and Leadership; Programme Planning and Administration; Programme Admission and Delivery; Stakeholder Engagement, Development and Recognition; Student Engagement Development and Recognition; Programme Intelligence; Programme Governance; Programme Cycle Reviews and Programme Improvement.

• Programme Management and Leadership: Align with MANCOSA's vision, mission, and strategy. Establish and maintain programme philosophy, linking it to the institutional vision and mission. Oversee programme lifecycle management, design, and manage the programme's teaching and learning strategy, and handle programme budget management. Collaborate with marketing and student enrolment to communicate the programme's value proposition.
• Programme Planning and Administration: Work closely with the Institutional Planning Department. Identify suitable academics for content development, delivery, and assessment. Ensure quality control of programme information on the website and prospectus. Prepare and plan for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, if applicable.
• Programme Admissions and Delivery: Manage semesterly admissions in line with enrolment plans. Apply programme and institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules. Facilitate webinars and oversee assessment development and marking.
• Stakeholder Engagement, Development, and Recognition: Induct academic staff and promote appropriate community engagement initiatives and activities.
• Student Engagement and Success: Provide programme-specific career guidance in collaboration with the Career Centre.
• Programme Intelligence: Gather and analyse longitudinal programme and student performance data to feedback into lifecycle management. Report on trend analysis, benchmarking, student throughput, retention, articulation, and dropout rates.
• Programme Governance: Monitor, evaluate, and manage risks associated with the programme. Participate in all relevant academic and operational committee meetings. Facilitate the compilation of annual programme monitoring and evaluation reports.
• Programme Cyclical Review: Participate in programme curriculum structure review, PIS review, module content review and updates and assessment reviews. Feed programme intelligence in the Programme Quality Monitoring directorate. Manage all internal and external quality assurance efforts.

Desired Experience & Qualification

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum Requirement:

A master's degree in one of the following areas:

Ø Computer Science

Ø Information Technology

Ø Software Engineering

Ø Data Science

Ø Cybersecurity

Ø Other relevant fields within IT

• Preferred Qualification:

Ø A Ph.D. in a relevant IT discipline is highly desirable, especially for advanced modules.

Ø A teaching qualification or certification (e.g., Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE) is an advantage, especially in higher education.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Higher Education/Academia.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in conflict resolution and cooperation.
• Analytical, conceptual, and organisational skills.
• Ability to adapt, cope, and perform effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in digital literacy.

GENERAL:

Candidates should demonstrate academic acumen and provide relevant expertise within the scope of Information and Digital Technology. This includes a deep understanding of theories, practices and emerging trends in the field, ensuring they can effectively contribute to the academic and professional development of students.