Subject Head (5-Year Contract)

Are you a dedicated academic leader within the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Sociology, Qwaqwa Campus? The UFS is looking for a qualified individual to take on the role of Subject Head for a 5-year contract. This is a junior management position that offers an exciting opportunity to provide academic leadership and contribute to the strategic vision of the department.

Important Application Note:

This position is open ONLY to full-time permanent academic staff members currently employed in the University of the Free State’s Department of Sociology, Qwaqwa Campus. Applications from outside this specific group will NOT be considered.

About the University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African tertiary institution committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. Situated in the heart of South Africa, UFS strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters academic growth and societal impact.

Key Responsibilities

As Subject Head, your duties will include:

• Providing strong academic leadership to establish the department as a leader in Sociology.
• Maintaining and strengthening collaborative ties with the Bloemfontein branch of the Sociology Department.
• Contributing to the overall leadership within the department and faculty.
• Actively participating in relevant Faculty and UFS management structures.
• Initiating, formulating, and implementing a visionary academic strategy for the department.
• Developing and maintaining a forward-thinking research strategy for the department.
• Building and fostering an effective team of scholars.
• Encouraging and actively supporting academic staff members in applying for external research grants and other funding.

Minimum Requirements (Inherent)

To be considered for this vital role, you must meet the following non-negotiable requirements:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Sociology.
• Must be a full-time, permanent academic staff member of the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus.

Recommendations

Candidates with the following will be highly regarded:

• A proven track record of academic research outputs.
• Demonstrable management and leadership skills/abilities.

Required Competencies

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• Results Orientated: Ability to set high standards, achieve tough goals, and be reliable, responsible, and dependable.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage multiple activities, analyse information carefully, and use logic to solve problems.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules, strict following of regulations, and proficiency in MS Office.
• Leading: Ability to lead, take charge, offer opinions, provide direction, and cooperate with others to encourage teamwork.
• Building Coalitions: Skilled in negotiation, selling, influencing, persuading others, and establishing positive personal connections.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: 5-Year Contract
• Occupational Level: Junior Management
• Start Date: 01 January 2026

Salary and Benefits

An allowance is payable for this position, calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the UFS. The specific value of the allowance is available upon request.

Application Process

Please read carefully: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, in addition to the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained. (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your South African Identity Document (ID) or passport for foreign nationals.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Closing Date

The deadline for applications is 15 October 2025.

Enquiries

For any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact:

• Telephone: 051 401 2876 or 051 401 9848/9813/2979
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Equity Statement

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to diversity, excellence, and redress in achieving its equity targets. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities, in accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Plan.

The University processes personal information in line with POPIA. All personal information provided will be treated as confidential.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Only applications from candidates who meet all inherent requirements will be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application was unsuccessful.