Director (P5) (Student Affairs Division: Student Accommodation & Residence Life) at University of Johannesburg

Job Purpose:

• To provide strategic leadership, governance, operational oversight, and developmental direction for Student Accommodation and Residence Life across the University. The role is responsible for ensuring the provision of safe, inclusive, student-centred, and academically supportive residential environments that promote holistic student development, student success, wellness, transformation, and social cohesion within university residences and accredited off-campus accommodation. The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of integrated student accommodation and residence life strategies aligned to the University’s strategic goals, student experience agenda, transformation imperatives, and legislative requirements.

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Develop and implement the strategic vision, policies, frameworks, and operational plans for Student Accommodation and Residence Life.
• Align residence life programmes and accommodation services with institutional strategy, student success objectives, and transformation agenda.
• Provide leadership on governance, compliance, risk management, and quality assurance within residences and accredited accommodation.
• Lead strategic projects related to student housing growth, infrastructure planning, and accommodation sustainability.

Student Accommodation Management

• Oversee the effective management of university-owned residences and accredited private accommodation.
• Ensure equitable placement, allocation, and administration of student accommodation.
• Monitor residence occupancy, accreditation standards, facilities management, and service delivery.
• Manage relationships with accommodation partners, landlords, and external stakeholders.

Residence Life and Student Development

• Lead the implementation of residence life programmes that promote academic excellence, leadership development, diversity, wellness, social integration, and student engagement.
• Strengthen living-learning communities and student leadership structures within residences.
• Promote student discipline, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and social cohesion initiatives.
• Facilitate student support interventions in collaboration with relevant university departments.

Financial and resource management, risk, safety, and compliance

• Ensure efficient utilisation of resources and cost-effective operations.
• Oversee contractual agreements, service-level agreements, and vendor performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, institutional policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Lead crisis management, emergency response coordination, and student safety initiatives within residences.
• Identify and mitigate operational, reputational, and student welfare risks.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Public Administration, Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ relevant experience in student accommodation, residence life, or higher education administration.
• At least 5 years’ experience at senior management or leadership role.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of higher education legislation, governance frameworks, and student development practices.
• Proven strong financial management, operational management, and leadership capabilities.

Recommendations:

• Doctoral qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience in facilities management, including the coordination, maintenance, and operation of buildings, infrastructure, and support services.
• Experience in large-scale student housing operations.
• Experience in public-private partnership accommodation models.
• Registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable, an added advantage.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Change management
• Emotional intelligence
• Higher education and student affairs knowledge
• Residence life and student development expertise
• Professionalism and integrity
• Student-centred approach
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Innovation and adaptability

Deadline:24th July,2026