Vice Chancellor and Academic Head

Job description

Job Title: VICE CHANCELLOR & ACADEMIC HEAD
Location: Open Window University, Lusaka, Zambia
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Strategy Officer / University Council
Type: Full-time | Executive Leadership
Term: 5 years, renewable

OVERVIEW
Open Window University, a dynamic and fast-growing private institution of higher learning in Zambia, is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as its Vice Chancellor & Academic Head. This dual-role appointment represents the apex of institutional leadership providing executive oversight of the university strategic direction, while ensuring academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.
The Vice Chancellor and Academic Head is the chief academic officer of the university, responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership across all facets of the institution. In a dynamic and evolving creative arts environment, this role combines executive oversight with academic stewardship to foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and critical inquiry in teaching, learning, creative practice and research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Strategic and Institutional Leadership 

Lead the development and implementation of the university vision, mission, and long-term strategic plan in alignment with its creative and educational values.
Represent the university at national and international levels, advocating for the role of the arts and creative industries in society.
Build sustainable partnerships with government bodies, cultural institutions, academic networks, donors, and industry stakeholders.

2.Academic Leadership

Ensure academic quality, relevance, and rigour across all institutional departments, programmes, and qualifications.
Promote and support innovative pedagogies and interdisciplinary approaches to creative education.
Lead academic policy formulation, curriculum development, and programme review processes.
Cultivate an intellectually vibrant and inclusive academic community.

3. Research, Creative Practice, and Knowledge Production

Champion research, artistic inquiry, and practice-led scholarship that responds to local and global contexts.
Create financially viable structures and incentives to support faculty and student research output, exhibitions, performances, publications, and community-based projects.
Encourage the integration of indigenous, experimental, and critical knowledge systems.

4. Operational and Administrative Oversight

Assist in institutional planning, budgeting, financial sustainability, and compliance in collaboration with executive management.
Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of senior academic and administrative staff.
Ensure the university meets national regulatory standards and international best practices in higher education.

5. Student Experience and Development

Promote a holistic, student-centred approach that supports the academic, creative, and personal development of students.
Ensure equity, access, and well-being through inclusive policies and support services.
Encourage student voice and participation in institutional governance and creative life.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

A PHD holding candidate with a foundation in a relevant field of the arts, humanities, creative industries with an understanding of education theory and practice.
At least 15 years of progressive experience in higher education, including 5+ years in senior academic or administrative leadership, ideally within a private university context.
Proven experience in higher education leadership, including strategic planning, academic governance, and institutional development.
Demonstrated success in managing interdisciplinary teams, securing funding, and fostering creative cultures.
An understanding of the challenges and opportunities in arts education in local and global contexts.

COMPETENCIES

Visionary leadership and the ability to inspire across diverse disciplines.
Strong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
Deep appreciation of artistic, cultural, and academic plurality.
Ethical, inclusive, and transparent management style.
Commitment to transformation, decolonisation, and sustainability in higher education.

ATTRIBUTES

Experience in leading or developing creative arts programmes or institutions.
A background in creative practice, cultural policy, or arts activism.
Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in arts education.
Familiarity with accreditation and quality assurance frameworks in higher education.

APPLICATION
Candidates should submit:
a) a recent and comprehensive CV
b) a cover letter detailing their vision for a creative arts institution in 21st century Sub-Saharan Africa
c) the names of at least three referees.

The position applied for must be clearly indicated on the applications, which should be addressed to:

hr@owu.edu.zm / Attention: Open Window University Human Resource Manager

Short-listed applicants will be notified by e-mail.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025