Job Description: The main responsibilities include the following:
Academic leadership of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves
Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with the SAHRA permit holder(s), including fundraising for research projects, and post-graduate bursaries and projects.
Coordinate Calls for Proposals for use of the Sterkfontein Caves as a research hub in the Cradle of Humankind.
Foster new postgraduate training opportunities.
Promote utilisation of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves for undergraduate courses.
Develop cross-disciplinary collaborations both internal and external to Wits, including international partners.
Apply innovative cross-disciplinary palaeoscience approaches for the analysis of the diverse Sterkfontein Caves fossil assemblages.
Operational management of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves
Oversee the management and operations in line with University policies.
Work closely with the Operations Manager and Education and Exhibition Manager to provide management and leadership guidance to staff at the Wits Sterkfontein Caves, including performance management.
Take responsibility for Financial Management, including the administration of finances for all activities i.e., research, innovation, postgraduate training, undergraduate teaching, community outreach, and commercial activities.
Develop entrepreneurial programmes that contribute to the sustainability of the enterprise. Ensure the necessary marketing of the facility, and develop stakeholder communication and engagement strategies that promote growth and build key partnerships.
Leadership of education and science communication
Oversee the management and development of science communication content on site, including tour guide training, temporary exhibit development, and permanent exhibit upgrades.
Facilitate new and exciting education outreach programmes, working with partners across the education, museum, heritage, and tourism sectors.
Communicate effectively with school learners and educators, students, public, and the media.
Oversee and develop new research, science communication, and education fundraising initiatives.
Qualifications, Experience and Remuneration:
A PhD or equivalent qualification with a background in palaeoanthropology or closely related field. The successful candidate will be a people-centered leader, with demonstrable experience in staff management and will be able to nurture strategic relationships and partnerships. They will have: a track record of producing high-impact multi-disciplinary research; experience working within and leading research teams; post-graduate supervision experience; and demonstrated fundraising success. They will be required to produce original scientific research in their disciplinary area and have experience in science communication.
The salary will be competitive, and commensurate with the knowledge and experience required to head the Wits Sterkfontein Caves.
Applications:
Submit a cover letter accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document, and the names and email addresses of three referees.
To apply: External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits iRecruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting applications. Internal applicants are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service Applications /.
Applicants hereby provide consent to process personal information in terms of POPIA.
Enquiries: For further information, contact the relevant HR Officer, Ms. Refilwe Setuki on ******.
Closing date: Thursday, 31 October 2024. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment and continue searching after the closing date and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plan and policies of the university.
Wits is committed to excellence and equity.
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