Subject Head (English Department) – Five-Year Contract at UFS

Are you a dedicated and experienced academic leader within the University of the Free State (UFS) English Department? The Faculty of Humanities is seeking a Subject Head for a challenging five-year contract position.

This role offers a unique opportunity to provide academic leadership, shape the future of the English Department, and contribute to the overall excellence of the University. Please note that this position is open ONLY to permanent academic staff currently employed within the Department of English at the UFS.

About the University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African tertiary institution committed to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. Located in Bloemfontein, UFS strives to inspire excellence and transform lives through its diverse faculties and innovative programmes.

Job Details

• Organizational Unit: University of the Free State > Faculty of Humanities > Department English
• Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
• Contract Type: Temporary (Five-year contract)
• Occupational Level: Temporary
• Assumption of Duties: 01 January 2026
• Closing Date: 2 November 2025

Key Responsibilities

As the Subject Head, you will be pivotal in driving the academic and research agenda of the English Department. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing strong academic leadership and executing strategies to position the department as a leader in its discipline internationally.
• Directing academic discourse, influencing department culture, and energising staff and students.
• Engaging in continuous planning, organisation, coordination of staff, students, and activities.
• Mentoring and motivating staff, structuring, and exercising overall control within the department.
• Fostering a collaborative atmosphere among staff and ensuring effective internal and external communication.
• Representing the department and faculty in various management structures, attending meetings, and leading project teams.
• Initiating and implementing a visionary academic strategy aligned with UFS and faculty goals.
• Ensuring high-quality, research-informed teaching, relevant content, enhanced student experiences, and adherence to academic regulations.
• Providing proper academic advice and support to students, and developing fresh learning programmes.
• Creating and maintaining a visionary research strategy, encouraging strong research habits, and ensuring ethical requirements are met.
• Guiding senior academics towards acquiring NRF ratings and engaging with research committees for financial support.
• Building an effective team through fair workload distribution, clear career paths, mentoring, performance management, and staff development.
• Managing departmental finances, including annual budgeting, financial planning, allocation, and control, adhering to UFS policies.
• Actively supporting academic staff in applying for external research and other grants.

Inherent Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in English.
• You must be a full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the Department of English at the University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein campus.

Recommendations

• A minimum of three (3) years’ lecturing or leadership experience at a tertiary institution is highly recommended.

Required Competencies

We are looking for a leader who demonstrates:

• Results Orientated: Ability to handle high-stress situations calmly, reliably, responsibly, and dependably.
• Strategic Thinking: Focus on detail, commitment to perfection, organised approach, and strong planning skills.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules and regulations, and proficiency in MS Office.
• Leading: High personal motivation, energy, enthusiasm, cooperativeness, and ability to encourage teamwork.
• Building Coalitions: Sensitivity and understanding of others’ needs, and strong interpersonal skills to establish connections.

Allowance

A Subject Head allowance is payable, calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the UFS. The value of this allowance is available upon request.

Application Process

PLEASE NOTE: Only permanent academic staff within the Department of English will be considered for this post.

Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted via any other platform will not be considered. Incomplete applications will also not be considered.

To ensure your application is complete, please submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, along with 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.

Enquiries

For any questions regarding this position, please contact 051 401 7659 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. For technical assistance with your application, you can also contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 / 9848.

General Information

The UFS is a designated employer committed to diversity and redress, striving to achieve its equity targets in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with POPIA. All personal information provided will be treated confidentially. The University reserves the right not to fill this post. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from the University within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.