Academic Dean

WHO WE ARE

Two Oceans Graduate Institute (TOGI) is a registered private Higher Education institution accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). We specialise in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and are expanding our academic offering to include postgraduate qualification offerings as part of our long-term Institutional growth strategy within the Higher Education sector. Our mission is to develop high-quality teachers equipped with the knowledge, values, and professional skills to serve diverse educational contexts.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Academic Dean to join our leadership team. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Academic Dean will serve as the senior academic officer of the institution and will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic and educational direction of TOGI.

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced academic leader to contribute strategically to the continued growth, quality, and academic standing of the institution.

As Academic Dean, your focus will include the following:

• Lead the academic affairs of the institution, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy, vision, and objectives
• Provide strategic leadership across all academic operations and educational initiatives
• Oversee the development and implementation of institutional academic plans and initiatives
• Lead and manage the undergraduate and postgraduate offerings within the School of Education, including curriculum development, staff recruitment, and student engagement initiatives
• Drive the expansion of postgraduate offerings in education, contributing to institutional growth, academic excellence, and innovation
• Provide strategic guidance and support to academic staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, scholarly engagement, academic rigour, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with the Higher Education regulatory framework, including quality assurance, accreditation, and review processes for learning programmes
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen TOGI’s academic reputation and standing within the Higher Education sector
• Oversee the integrity, coherence, and quality of the institutional programme offering
• Proactively manage matters within the Academic Division including or in relation to:

- Academic Division

- Academic Support Divisions

- Research

- Compliance and Accreditation

- People and Culture

• Provide strategic oversight of institutional quality assurance and enhancement processes relating to:

- Programme design and development (undergraduate and postgraduate)

- Teaching and learning

- Course and module design

- Online and distance teaching and learning pedagogies

- Academic governance and quality enhancement 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant doctoral degree in Education or a cognate equivalent qualification
• Extensive experience in Higher Education, with a focus on teacher education and academic leadership
• Proven track record in managing undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education programmes
• Strong understanding of management principles and practices within an academic context
• Proven leadership experience within the education sector
• Thorough knowledge of the Higher Education regulatory framework, quality assurance standards, and accreditation processes
• Proven experience in institutional quality assurance and programme accreditation processes
• Proven experience in directing and managing an academic division, from strategy development to implementation, including oversight of operational matters
• In exceptional cases, candidates holding a relevant master’s degree with substantial experience in academic management and leadership may be considered, provided that the candidate intends to enroll for, or is already enrolled in, a relevant doctoral degree programme

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Leadership experience within an online and distance Higher Education environment
• Financial leadership skills within Higher Education, including budget development, resource allocation, and financial oversight
• Proven experience as a fair yet firm performance manager
• Experience in fostering research activity and professional development among academic staff

SKILLS

• Excellent technology skills and experience with learning management systems and educational technologies
• Effective organisational and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Strong leadership, conflict management, and performance management skills
• Ability to function effectively within a dynamic and growing Higher Education environment

LOCATION

TOGI’s offices are based in Pinelands, Cape Town. This is an office-based leadership role, while lecturers and academic staff operate remotely from various parts of South Africa.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you identify with our ethos, are passionate about Higher Education, and would like to join us on this exciting journey, we would welcome your application.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. Please include the following in your application:

• Cover letter motivating your suitability;
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including three referees and your highest qualification;
• Notice period;
• Current gross monthly salary and expected gross monthly salary

Closing date: 20 July 2026.

Disclaimer: By applying for this position, you consent to the Institution sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with the Institution stakeholders to process the application. The Institution may conduct qualification verification, reference checks, background screening, and competency assessments where applicable. The Institution reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.