Director: SARB Centre for Economics Journalism at the level of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer

Rhodes University

Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Contract

Posted 3 hours ago

Contract Education & Teaching

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Job Description

Director: SARB Centre for Economics Journalism at the level of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in the School of Journalism and Media Studies

The School of Journalism and Media Studies invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team as the Director of the SARB Centre for Economics Journalism (appointed at the level of Lecturer to Senior Lecturer)

OVERALL PURPOSE OF POSITION: Leading the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Centre for Economics Journalism, an externally funded research and teaching unit established within the School of JMS under the Memorandum of Agreement between Rhodes University and SARB.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic and academic leadership of the SARB Centre: provide strategic direction and academic leadership for the centre, fostering its growth, sustainability and national and continental impact.

Postgraduate teaching, supervision and curriculum development: Lead the Centre’s postgraduate teaching programme, supervise postgraduate students and ensure the ongoing development and quality of the curriculum.

Developing and managing Economic journalism projects for the purpose of experiential learning: Develop and manage experiential learning initiatives that provide students with practical training and editorial experience in economics journalism

Research, scholarship and publication: Lead and grow the Centre’s research programme through high quality scholarship, publication and research that advances the field of economics journalism

Funder relationship management and Steering Committee participation: Build and maintain strategic relationships with SARB and other key stakeholders, ensuring effective governance, collaboration and delivery of the Centre’s objectives

Financial management and reporting: Manage the Centre’s budget and financial resources, ensuring sound financial stewardship and timely reporting to the funder.

Centre and staffing capacity: Lead the development of the Centre’s staff and capacity, fostering a high performing team and supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability

Scholarships and alumni management: Manage the Centre’s scholarship programme and alumni network to support student success, graduate engagement and demonstrate the Centre’s long-term impact

Community engagement and continuing professional training: Lead the Centre’s community engagement and professional training activities, extending its impact through partnerships, short courses and capacity developing initiatives

Governance, compliance and university administration: Ensure effective governance, compliance and administration of the Centre, meeting all University and funder reporting and accountability requirements.

The Requirements

Lecturer

A Master's in Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Finance or a closely related field.

Candidates will be expected to either complete or make reasonable progress in line with targets and timeframes agreed with the HoD during their probation period, should they be appointed.

A substantial professional record (at least seven years) in financial or economics journalism, central bank communications or a comparable field of practice.
Experience of working at the interface between media and a central bank, financial regulator, multilateral institution or comparable counterparty would be an advantage.
Some teaching and/or teaching facilitation experience is required. The incumbent should be acquainted with online/blended teaching, testing, and marking, or be willing to acquire these skills immediately upon starting the job.
Ability to teach in disciplinary areas such as the following:

Journalism Studies
Economic Journalism
Economics

Finance

Some experience in mentoring and/or supervising postgraduate students would be an advantage.
Some evidence of and experience in conducting research of relevance to financial journalism or economics journalism. Evidence of published work in mainstream or trade outlets, and of accredited output in academic publications, would be an advantage.
Some record of administration, management and/or leadership roles (leadership roles may be informal).

Senior Lecturer

A PhD in Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Finance or closely related field.

Candidates who hold an MA in Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Finance, or a closely related field and are actively progressing towards completion of a PhD will also be considered. As a guide, candidates should be within 12 months of their intended PhD submission.

Plus

7–10 years of teaching experience.

A substantial professional record (at least seven years) at senior level in financial or economics journalism, central bank communications or a comparable field of practice, with a demonstrable record of leadership at the level of bureau chief, editor, head of unit, head of communications or equivalent.
Experience working at the interface between media and a central bank, a financial regulator, a multilateral institution, or a comparable counterparty is required.
Considerable teaching experience at the postgraduate level is required. The incumbent should be acquainted with online/blended teaching, testing, and marking, or be willing to acquire these skills immediately upon taking the job.
Substantial experience in teaching in disciplinary areas such as the following is required:

Journalism Studies
Economic Journalism
Economics

Finance

Research supervision experience of at least a Master's Degree to completion is required.
Emerging national profile in the discipline and a credible record of accredited, peer-reviewed publications.
Evidence of managing a budget of at least R2.5 million per annum, including external donor reporting and audit interaction.
Track record of administration, management and/ or leadership roles.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the role profile and further particulars document for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required and must be uploaded under the Additional Documents section of the online application form:

A strong and succinct motivation letter outlining your interest in the post and your suitability for the position. Your motivation must address each job requirement individually, clearly articulate your relevant experience, including your experience of the practice of economic journalism, and demonstrate how you meet each requirement.
A comprehensive CV which should include the following: -

Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.

All relevant certificates.
A portfolio of evidence

Please note, no hand-written applications will be considered. Failure to submit all documentation will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process:

The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum:

Lecturer

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R 667,972.00

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 872,722.00

Senior Lecturer

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R 826,322.00

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1,069,564.00

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in and of itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 18 November 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion