EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: LIBRARY & INFORMATION CENTRE – 5 YEAR CONTRACT

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a dynamic and cosmopolitan institution, dedicated to societal impact, sustainability, global partnerships, and leveraging technology for the future. Guided by its bold UJ Strategic Plan 2035, the University’s mission is to “transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” UJ aims to be an international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.

About the Library & Information Centre (LIC)

The Library and Information Centre (LIC) at UJ is a globally recognized African gateway to scholarly information. It consists of five libraries located across the Bunting Road, Doornfontein, Kingsway, and Soweto campuses. A central support unit manages Library Systems, Acquisitions, Archives, Special Collections, the Institutional Repository, and cutting-edge digital technology services like a Virtual Reality Lab and Makerspace.

The LIC serves a diverse community including students, staff, researchers, and visiting scholars across UJ’s eight faculties, College, Business School, and various professional and support divisions. The University’s collection features both print and digital resources, tailored to a modern, comprehensive institution. There is a strong focus on using information technology for library access and functions, preserving and disseminating knowledge, promoting scholarly communication, ensuring information fluency, and addressing the needs of previously disadvantaged students.

Position Summary

The Executive Director: Library and Information Centre will lead, manage, and ensure the success of UJ’s Library and Information Centre (LIC). A primary focus of this 5-year contract role is to make the LIC and its services future-fit for lifelong learning and continuous education. You will strategically support and advance the LIC through targeted interventions, innovations, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, directly contributing to the University’s Strategic Objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine, articulate, implement, and lead the Library’s strategic initiatives in alignment with the University’s goals, continuously elevating teaching, research, community engagement, and global engagement.
• Review and advance the Library strategy in accordance with the University’s 2035 strategic objectives.
• Lead the Library into new and emerging digital scholarship technologies to support research, teaching, and learning in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
• Conceptualize and collaborate with peer institutions to innovate new, cost-effective, virtual, and integrated library models and procurement systems.
• Conceptualize and coordinate strategic initiatives for mobilizing grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Strengthen relationships with national and international stakeholders and partners.
• Ensure sustained excellence in community engagement.
• Promote Library services and resources through coordinated strategic marketing interventions.
• Promote the Library and University in broader national and international contexts.
• Oversee staff development and management, including retention and recruitment.
• Ensure high-quality divisional governance, administration, and systems functioning.
• Ensure the effective and efficient management and utilization of the Library’s finances and resources.
• Respond to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) research and innovation-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports, and initiate policy.
• Manage risks within the portfolio.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD Degree (NQF 10) in Library and Information Science, or an equivalent qualification.
• Substantial and acknowledged academic stature, including peer-reviewed publications and a sound understanding of the current national and international research landscape.
• Substantive leadership stature, with an excellent reputation supported by senior academic and/or administrative experience.
• In-depth understanding of current national and international debates around library administration and related approaches, or a deep understanding of current debates on teaching and learning.
• Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insights, and vision to support the academic community and leadership within the University to provide best practice and state-of-the-art library-related practices.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the higher education sector – nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• A proven track record of participation and leadership on national and international library or research committees, boards, advisory boards, consortia or leadership groups.
• Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all levels and in staff recruitment, mentorship, and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic, and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.

Competencies (Technical Skills and Behavioral Attributes)

• Ability to use technology to improve efficiency and attainment of the University’s strategic goals.
• Professional management, motivation, and individual leadership qualities.
• A high level of financial and numerical acumen.
• The ability to ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration, and systems functioning.
• The ability to develop and maintain good networks.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• The ability to promote, sustain excellence, and manage risks within the portfolio.
• Ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills, on a verbal and written basis, as well as executive level.
• Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgment, energy, passion, and constructive interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on higher education and society.
• Understanding and commitment to the University’s values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.

Recommended Qualifications/Experience

• Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association.
• Experience in a university or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.
• Experience in process modernization and transformation.
• Currently appointed as an Associate Professor or Professor in an academic institution.

Terms of Appointment

The position of Executive Director is a 5-year contract appointment. It includes an executive-level remuneration and benefits package, which will be commensurate with your experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further two terms of office, subject to performance.

The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a full 5-year term.

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A letter of motivation outlining your possible vision and strategic direction for this position.
• The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees.
• A copy of your highest academic qualification.
• Proof of registration with any relevant professional bodies.
• If applying for an academic position, include a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: https://jobs.uj.ac.za/ or emailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe at [email protected].

Your complete application, including all required documents, must be uploaded or sent before or on the closing date of 9 November 2025.

Important Notes

• If you require technical support or assistance with the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact PNET at 0861 227337 / 010 140 3099 or email [email protected].
• Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
• The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups, in conjunction with merit based on qualifications, experience, and proven achievements.
• The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to advertised positions, as necessitated by operational requirements.
• If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
• In terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), the University is obligated to assess all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of this assessment may impact possible employment with the University.