NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (MAHIKENG CAMPUS) DIVISION: CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (CTL) DEPARTMENT: FACULTY TEACHING AND LEARNING SUPPORT (FTLS) VACANCY: SENIOR ACADEMIC ADVISOR POSITION NUMBER: N000356 PEROMNES: P7 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT PURPOSE OF THE POSITION A Senior Disciplinary Literacy Adviser will be responsible for enhancing literacy across disciplines through a diverse set of roles including academic advising, development support, curriculum enhancement, professional development, and critical research. This multifaceted position entails designing and implementing disciplinary literacy programs, advising on effective literacy practices, managing curriculum development, leading professional training sessions, conducting critical research, coordinating literacy projects, and engaging with the community to foster literacy outside the classroom. This role is central to advancing academic success and promoting lifelong learning among students through innovative and interdisciplinary literacy strategies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Promote Interdisciplinary Literacy Approaches Across the Curriculum: Lead the strategic planning and implementation of interdisciplinary literacy initiatives. Collaborate with department heads and faculty to embed literacy practices in various subjects. Develop and deliver professional development sessions to train educators on interdisciplinary literacy strategies. Develop and Evaluate Reading Software and Online Resources: Oversee the selection, development, and implementation of innovative reading software and online resources. Conduct regular evaluations of digital tools and resources to ensure they meet educational standards and enhance student learning. Work with technology IT and developers to customise and improve literacy software based on feedback and research. Curriculum Development and Enhancement: Lead the design and continuous improvement of the reading curriculum to align with current educational standards and cutting-edge reading education research. Utilize data-driven insights to develop strategic plans for curriculum enhancements that address the evolving needs of a diverse student population. Incorporate interdisciplinary approaches and emerging educational technologies to enhance reading and comprehension skills. Oversee the selection and procurement of high-quality reading materials, software's, and educational technologies. Ensure that resources are up-to-date, culturally relevant, and accessible to all students anywhere and anytime. Professional Development: Lead professional development initiatives to equip faculty with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the enhanced curriculum effectively. Provide ongoing support and training to ensure the successful adoption and integration of new reading programs and strategies. Critical Research: Spearhead research initiatives that align with strategic university goals, focusing on advancing disciplinary literacy and educational outcomes. Identify and prioritize key research areas that contribute to the university's mission and long-term objectives. Uphold and enforce ethical standards in all aspects of research, ensuring integrity and compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. Conduct comprehensive analyses of student survey data and other relevant metrics to assess the effectiveness of literacy programs and initiatives. Prepare detailed reports and presentations on research findings, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement and strategic decision-making. Collaboration and Community Engagement: Lead and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations and discussions to integrate literacy practices across various academic fields. Advocate for literacy initiatives within the community, raising awareness about the importance of literacy education. An Honours degree/ PGDip (NQF level 8) in Education with specialisation in Languages or Life Orientation/Student Support. A teaching qualification in Education. A minimum of five (5) years working experience in an Education/Student Development and Support Environment with: A minimum of three (3) years' teaching experience in Secondary or Higher Education. A minimum of two (2) years' experience in academic student development & support environment. A minimum of one (1) year experience in implementation of computer reading and learning programmes. ADDED ADVANTAGE: A Master's degree (NQF level 9) in Education with specialisation in Languages or Life Orientation/Student Support. Reading and/or Psychology background - Reading Software use and/or Psychology Counselling. KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES: In-depth knowledge of student programs at the tertiary level, with a strong focus on reading and learning support. Proven experience in literacy development, including the design and implementation of effective reading curriculums. Strong project management skills to oversee literacy initiatives from conception to completion. Ability to provide expert consultation to faculty and CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning) on teaching practices and integration of new trends in teaching and learning. Ability to lead research projects that align with strategic university goals and contribute to the advancement of literacy education. Exceptional collaboration skills to work with diverse teams and stakeholders across disciplines. Demonstrated leadership abilities to guide and mentor faculty, staff, and students in literacy initiatives. Expertise in integrating emerging educational technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance literacy and learning outcomes. KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate ideas, provide effective feedback, and foster open dialogue among stakeholders. Proven leadership abilities to inspire and guide others towards achieving common goals. Openness to new ideas and a willingness to embrace innovative practices and technologies. Strong problem-solving skills to identify challenges and develop effective solutions. Commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in all literacy initiatives and interactions. Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects and responsibilities. Ethical Integrity to uphold ethical principles in research, teaching, and community engagement. Emotional Intelligence for handling conflicts and difficult situations with empathy and tact. REMUNERATION The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines. ENQUIRIES REGADING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Dr. Nomasomi Morule, Tel No: 018 289-2482 ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Hawa Joosub, Tel No: 018 389-9015 CLOSING DATE: 06 August 2024 COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible Kindly take note: applications may only be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
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