Midlands State University
DUE: 30 MAY 2025
POST: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MSU ENTERPRISES
Midlands State University seeks to appoint a dynamic, results-driven, and visionary leader to the position of Executive Director of MSU Enterprises. This is a senior leadership role responsible for steering the strategic growth, innovation, and sustainability of the University’s business enterprises in alignment with national development goals and the university’s vision.
Qualifications and Experience
At least a Master’s degree in a technology-related field is required.
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at senior management level at a University or industry.
A qualification in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Finance, or a related field is an added advantage.
Desired Attributes
Proven leadership of innovation-driven and multidisciplinary projects.
Strong knowledge of industrial processes, value chain development, and public-private partnerships.
Excellent communication, strategic planning, financial management, and leadership skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and innovation.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and a results-oriented approach.
Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and team leadership skills.
Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and institutional levels.
Visionary, persuasive, and detail-focused with a strong track record of execution.
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, the Director will:
Provide strategic leadership in the development and growth of MSU’s enterprise development arm to promote innovation, commercialisation, and sustainable economic impact.
Develop and implement robust business models, functional strategies, policies, budgets, and procedures aligned with Education 5.0 and national industrialisation priorities.
Identify and secure funding and investment opportunities that support growth in MSU Enterprises.
Leverage outputs from the MSU Innovation Hub, incubation centres, and research centres to develop scalable commercial products and services.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry partners, government bodies, and development agencies to foster collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Promote enterprise development grounded in MSU’s competitive strengths and aligned with industry-recognised good practices.
Champion initiatives in business capacity building, value chain development, trade and investment promotion, competitiveness enhancement, and entrepreneurship.
Represent MSU Enterprises within the University Committee System and at external forums to enhance visibility, policy influence, and strategic alliances.
Ensure sound corporate governance, financial accountability, compliance with statutory and institutional regulations, and operational efficiency across all enterprise units.
Lead, inspire, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of professionals to achieve organisational and developmental excellence.
Terms of Appointment
The post is a fixed-term performance-based contract. A competitive package will be communicated to the successful candidate.
NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer. In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY
Applicants must submit copies of applications with the following: application letter, certified certificates and curriculum vitae giving full details of names, place and date of birth, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact telephone number (s) and names and email addresses of three referees to:
The Deputy Registrar (Human Resource)
Midlands State University
[email protected]
Application documents must be in a single scan pdf format. The closing date for this advert is Friday, 30 May 2025. Applicants should clearly state the post being applied for in the subject line. Only short- listed candidates will be communicated to.