Director: Campus Protection Services (AD04) (AD.04.3) at University of the Witwatersrand

The main purpose of this position is to:

• Provide leadership, direct and manage Campus Protection Services in the seamless, integrated and holistic provision of safety and security services with primary emphasis on students, staff, visitors and all University assets across the University’s precincts. 

Key responsibilities and activities include the following:

• Develop and implement crime prevention strategies for the University and its surrounding perimeter. This includes facilitating engagement and an effective interface between the relevant stakeholders within the inner city and the University, which includes engagement with Community Policing Forums, the Mayor’s office; Private Security Providers, various Improvement District structures within the inner city amongst others.
• Lead the University’s safety and security strategies and initiatives during protests (both staff and student protests) in a way which protects life, limb and property and in a way which mitigates against reputational harm to the University.
• Management of security of VIP’s including members of Parliament; Foreign Diplomats; local and foreign High Net worth Individuals; CEO’s and Vice-Chancellors of other Institutions, amongst others.
• Lead the University’s safety and security strategies, initiatives and implementation for large public events convened on the campuses, or in the immediate vicinity of the campuses in collaboration with the relevant City and Regional authorities.
• Devise and oversee the implementation of strategic security services initiatives, both for physical and technical security, in pursuit of tactical protection of all students, staff, visitors and assets on all University properties.
• Spearhead the prevention and detection of crime on the campuses/property and the immediate perimeters of these. This requires the pre-emptive detection and management of crime syndicates within and outside of the University.
• Plan, manage and coordinate security operations on a 24-hour basis.
• Oversee the investigation of and report on security issues to the DVC: Systems and Operations; ensuring that the University’s Legal and Employee Relations Offices are provided with dockets that pass legal muster.
• Ensure effective liaison for security issues with, but not limited to, the JMPD, SAPS, fire department, government departments and the City Joint Operations Committee.  Assumes a leadership role in crisis planning and incident response.
• Deployment of Smart Technologies to enable seamless, safe and controlled access and egress to the University.
• Overseeing effective budgeting and supply chain management.

Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree and advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Security Management, Policing or equivalent (Master’s degree will be advantageous) .
• A minimum of 15 years in a security and/or crime prevention environment, with at least 10 years in a senior management position.
• Experience within higher education will be an added advantage.
• PSIRA Grade A certification
• Valid Code B Driver’s License
• The candidate must be able to pass an extensive background investigation and provide a police clearance certificate.
• The candidate must possess the technical skills and knowledge systems necessary to enable the University to stay abreast of security-related developments and trends in the sector.
• Ability to work on weekends, evenings and public holidays as and when necessary.
• Physical demands are in excess of those for deskbound work, and therefore the incumbent would need to be physically fit.
• A member of SASA and COMPROSA would be advantageous.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, rules and regulations including the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, as amended
• Ability to enforce legislation and policies tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and foster constructive working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, analyse data, prepare records and reports.

Closing date: 07 November 2025