Department of Student Affairs - Manager: Academic Advising at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

JOB PURPOSE

• The Manager: Academic Advising provides strategic and operational leadership for academic advising and student success initiatives aimed at improving student retention, progression, and academic achievement. The role oversees Academic Success Coaches (ASCs), coordinates institutional student success programmes, and strengthens collaborative support systems to enhance the overall student experience and success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will actively participate in the following areas:

Student Success Management

• Provide strategic and operational support to Academic Success Coaches (ASCs);
• Monitor and evaluate advising interventions, workshops, and student success initiatives;
• Coordinate student success programmes, including mentorship and orientation initiatives;
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks for academic advising interventions;
• Compile and submit institutional and departmental reports related to student success.

Coordination of Institutional Programmes

• Coordinate the University’s First-Year Orientation programme;
• Oversee student success initiatives and awareness campaigns;
• Collaborate with faculties and professional service departments to implement integrated student support programmes;
• Coordinate programme events and activities across campuses.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage operational and programme budgets in accordance with university policies and procedures;
• Monitor expenditure and financial reporting;
• Manage service provider agreements and contractual obligations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculties, students, professional service departments, and external stakeholders;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of holistic student support systems and programmes.

Human Resource Management

• Manage staff performance, development, and productivity;
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and staff development processes;
• Facilitate communication, compliance, and team engagement initiatives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or BTech qualification in Social Sciences, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• At least four (4) years’ relevant experience in student success, academic advising, teaching and learning support, or related higher education environments;
• Experience in working with academic and support staff as well as university students;
• Proven experience in student success interventions and project coordination;
• Experience in using technology and innovative approaches to support student success.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement abilities;
• Sound organisational, administrative, and financial management skills;
• Advanced facilitation and workshop presentation skills;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and case management skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital platforms;
• Ability to work under pressure and outside office hours when required.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Relevant Honours or Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification;
• Experience in academic advising and first-year experience initiatives;
• Knowledge of contemporary student success theory and practice;
• Evidence of research output or participation in higher education student success forums and collaborations;
• Training or qualifications related to operations or project management.

CLOSING DATE: 21 July 2026