| Government Entity | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | 106569 |
| Centre / Location | Braamfontein,ZA |
| Closing Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Source and Application | wits.ac.za |
Organization: Faculty of Science
The Sterkfontein and Swartkrans caves, located in the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site have contributed invaluably to the field of human origins research over the last 80 years. Research continues in earnest at both locations. Sterkfontein, as a publicly accessible cave with on-site museum and working laboratories is a globally recognised heritage destination that is visited by international and local tourists, and school learners and university students from all over South Africa. As part of Wits? investment multidisciplinary research and education, a new generation of development of these two properties aims to create a dynamic public-facing research and science communication and outreach environment under Wits? leadership and management.
- Strategic planning in collaboration with the Head of Centre and exhibition coordinator to develop new fundraising initiatives, outreach projects, exhibits and events on site
- Affecting strategic operational plans with the Head of Centre and Exhibition Coordinator including cultivating business relationships with national and local governmental, institutional and private stakeholders
- Standing as proxy for Head of Centre in their absence
- Compilation and execution of the Operational Business Plan and reporting of operational activities to the Head of Centre, Management Committee and stakeholders
- Financial reporting for all operations related to the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science financial infrastructure
- Operational personnel management at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex in collaboration with Wits Faculty of Science Human Resources infrastructure
- Implementation of staff training in collaboration with the Exhibition Coordinator and research team
- Management of the maintenance staff to ensure the upkeep of the property and the infrastructure, including the caves, museum, laboratories, grounds, researcher accommodations and security fencing
- Management of procurement related to all operations at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Complex (including tourist and research operations consumables, equipment, and infrastructural requirements)
- Management of the ticketing and cashiers on site
- Acting as direct liaison with Wits Central with respect to ICT, Security and Services, Infrastructure and Development, Communications and Marketing where relevant
- Acting as direct liaison with Faculty of Science Finance and Human Resources Units
- Oversight of the security guards on site
- Providing customer support on site where challenges are encountered
- At least 5 years? experience in business/hospitality management and administration (experience within the University or tertiary educational sector will be advantageous)
- Bachelor's degree and honours (NQF 7-8) in hospitality/business management
- Two years? experience in project planning and reporting
- Previous experience in heritage destination management
- Previous experience in science outreach activities and communications, or educational/museum/science center experience would be an advantage.
Requirements
At least 5 years? experience in business/hospitality management and administration (experience within the University or tertiary educational sector will be advantageous) Bachelor's degree and honours (NQF 7-8) in hospitality/business management Two years? experience in project planning and reporting Previous experience in heritage destination management Previous experience in science outreach activities and communications, or educational/museum/science center experience would be an advantage. Remuneration: A competitive package is o¿ered that is commensurate with the level of appointment. Amount of Travel: Some travel required. Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a competency assessment.
Source / Circular Reference
wits.ac.za