Job Details

Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Job Title : Vice Chancellor

Immediate Supervisor : Board of Directors

Background

The African Christian University (ACU) is established under the auspices of the Reformed Baptist Churches of Zambia to provide tertiary education to glorify God in the African context. ACU is committed to a holistic, life-transforming Christian higher education. This vision is pursued through excellence in scholarship, mentoring, and training for servant-leadership through the student labour program, all rooted in a biblical worldview. ACU aims to produce graduates who are able to bring biblical discernment to all disciplines, as well as excellence and a stewardship mindset to all areas of professional practice.

Position Overview :

The Vice Chancellor is the chief executive officer of African Christian University, responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and overall management of the university’s operations. The role requires a strong commitment to Christian values, academic excellence, and the holistic development of students. The Vice Chancellor will foster an environment that integrates faith, learning, and service, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of Christian higher education.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Leadership & Vision :

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to the university, ensuring that its mission, vision, and values are upheld in all areas of operation.

• Lead the university in achieving academic and operational goals, while fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and service grounded in biblical faith.

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to ensure alignment with the university’s mission and long-term objectives.

2. Academic & Institutional Excellence:

• Ensure high academic standards and the delivery of quality education that reflects biblical principles and prepares students for global challenges.

• Promote research, scholarship, and academic collaboration while ensuring the university’s academic programs remain relevant and competitive.

• Oversee accreditation processes and maintain compliance with academic and regulatory standards.

3. Strategic Planning & Financial Management:

• Lead the development and execution of the university’s strategic plan, setting short- and long-term goals, and ensuring the university’s sustainability.

• Oversee the university’s financial health, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation.

• Implement effective systems for financial management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the proper use of resources.

4. Student Life & Development:

• Champion the holistic development of students, ensuring that academic, spiritual, and personal growth are integrated into the student experience.

• Oversee student services and ensure the creation of a supportive, inclusive, and Christ-centered campus environment.

• Ensure that the university’s policies and programs promote student well-being, leadership development, and community service.

5. External Relations & Representation:

• Act as the primary representative of the university in external relations, including with government agencies, churches, community organizations, and the general public.

• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, alumni, church leaders, and potential partners.

• Promote the university’s biblical mission and values in both the academic and global arenas.

6. Faculty & Staff Development:

• Provide leadership and support for faculty and staff, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

• Ensure that faculty members are supported in their professional development and have the resources needed to achieve academic excellence.

• Promote biblical principles in faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and development.

7. Faith Integration:

• Ensure that the university’s biblical identity is reflected in every aspect of academic and student life.

• Lead in the development of faith-based curricula, programs, and initiatives that integrate theology, spirituality, and Christian ethics across disciplines.

• Encourage the spiritual formation of students, faculty, and staff through worship, prayer, and service initiatives.

8. Governance & Compliance:

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to ensure sound governance practices.

• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and denominational standards, as well as accreditation and regulatory requirements.

• Provide regular reports to the Board on the university’s performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Educational Requirements : A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field of study, with significant experience in higher education leadership.

• Experience : At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a higher education institution.

• Christian Commitment : A strong personal faith in Jesus Christ and a deep commitment to the mission of Christian higher education. The Vice Chancellor must be a role model for the university community in integrating faith and learning.

• Leadership & Management Skills : Proven ability to lead a complex institution, with experience in strategic planning, financial management, and team development.

• Communication Skills : Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the university to a variety of audiences.

• Visionary & Strategic Thinking : Ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education while

staying true to the university’s biblical mission.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in a Christian university or similar faith-based institution.

• Strong understanding of the role of faith in education and the integration of theology and academic disciplines.

• Expertise in fundraising and building partnerships with alumni, donors, and external stakeholders.

• Conversant with ACU and its culture and must hold to the biblical reformed world view and biblical cultural mandate of ACU.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position.

• Occasional travel for university-related events, conferences, and external

meetings.

Interested Candidates should address their applications with a cover letter, testimony

of faith and detailed CV and all relevant academic and professional qualifications to:

Attn: The Board Chairperson

African Christian University

P.O. Box 320161

LUSAKA, Zambia

Or

Email: [email protected]

Closing date for receipt of applications: 20th December 2024

NOTE: Only successful candidates will be contacted.