Director: Executive Support Office of the Vice-Chancellor 5 year contract at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

• In terms of its Vision 2030, Nelson Mandela University strives to promote the public good through the expansion of human understanding, pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge, and cultivating socially conscious graduates who make a positive impact on society as responsible global citizens and leaders. Such an inspirational statement demands institutional and operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• The Office of the Vice-Chancellor is considered to be the heartbeat of the university. It is therefore critical that its organisational structure accommodates and supports the changing demands being made on what has become a very complex leadership position, which over time has broadened significantly to accommodate wide-ranging demands including stakeholder matters, inter-institutional collaborations and partnerships, as well as internal and external responsibilities that have to be addressed ensure institutional sustainability and ultimately, its flourishing.
• The core purpose of the Director: Executive Support is to provide executive support to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor in her capacity as the strategic leader of Nelson Mandela University.  The role manages and oversees operational aspects of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, including human, financial and other resources, supports and sustains a culture of service, professionalism and continuous improvement in the Vice-Chancellor’s office and related organisational units.  The role is also responsible for providing executive level committee support in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities to Council, Senate, executive management and other VC responsibilities, including overseeing special projects.
• Reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. There may be dotted reporting lines to individuals designated by the Vice- Chancellor. 
• KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
• Enable and support the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership responsibilities (Internal and External) including working closely with the Vice-Chancellor to plan and manage time effectively relating to short and longer-term priorities and commitments of the role,
• Stakeholder engagement and institutional responsiveness, including ensuring open, professional and cordial channels of communication between the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and all relevant stakeholders
• Support to and facilitation of incubatory strategic interventions and project management.
• Office Management
• Managing human, financial and other resources of the Office.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical/ professional knowledge and skill
• Strategic planning
• Budget and financial management
• People management including performance management
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Management of transformation and change management
• Personal impact, stature and credibility
• Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Strong analytical and conceptualisation skills
• Project management
• Decision making and ability to work autonomously

 
REQUIREMENTS
 

• Relevant M+4 qualification in relevant field field (e.g., education management, business administration, policy etc.) and, 7 years working experience in higher education or similar environment including at least 5 years in a management role. In addition to the above requirements, candidates who possess the specifications below will have an added advantage:
  • Sound knowledge and experience of corporate governance as well as legal, regulatory and policy environment, of the higher education the PSET sector