Executive Operations Manager at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

JOB PURPOSE

• Reporting to the Vice-Principal: Academic, the successful incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic support, project management, information, research, administrative and linguistic services to the Office of the Vice-Principal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Strategic support for the Office of the Vice-Principal: Academic

• Provide high-level support to the Vice-Principal in his/her capacity as a member of the Executive and line manager responsible for certain professional service departments, chairperson of institutional committees and project leader of a large number of strategic institutional projects.
• Professionally prepare speeches for the Vice-Principal: Academic, tailored to the specific requirements.

Management of special projects

• Manage projects independently as agreed with the Vice-Principal.
• Monitor the progress of individual projects and ensure that all project team members and consultants deliver the required input.

Relationship Management

• Liaise with internal and external clients, including partners, donors, parents and sponsors as delegated by the Vice-Principal
• Provide information and feedback on enquiries and matters within the Vice-Principal's portfolio
• Handle complaints, inquiries, and resolve matters/issues addressed to the Vice-Principal's Office on a need basis and refer appropriately where necessary.

Coordination

• Facilitate the timely delivery of input by the Vice-Principal and line managers reporting to him/her in institutional processes as determined by the University's strategic calendar.
• Facilitate the delivery of input for reporting to the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology and other government bodies, and for the University's statutory structures, its Strategic Plans and budgets, Annual Report and Risk Register.

Communication

• Provide advice and/or input on strategic and informational documents.
• Deliver a knowledgeable service to Executive Committee members and other senior managers within the University regarding writing, language editing, layout and interpretation of external and internal correspondence, submissions or proposals, reports and other documentation

Administration

• Support the Vice-Principal with general office administration and support of other staff in the Office or in the Executive, especially in times of particularly high work and time pressure.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate qualification with specialisation in Communication Management, Journalism, English or any other relevant subject. 
• At least 5 years’ experience in the following:
• Managing transformation-related processes and strategic initiatives.
• Working in a senior management office in a tertiary education environment.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in managing strategic projects.
• A valid driver’s licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Excellent knowledge of and insight into the operations of tertiary education institutions;
• Good understanding of the developmental trends in higher education and its interpretation;
• Good understanding of the content of higher education legislation and its interpretation;
• Knowledge of project management principles and managing projects;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly developed planning and organisational skills
• Excellent technological skills;
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite and project management software;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision;
• Good knowledge and understanding of language editing;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Above average creative writing skills;
• Good research skills;
• Attention to detail;

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Certificate in project management or management training.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

REMUNERATION

• The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select About UP, click on Career Opportunities, and select the position to apply for.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three work-related referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 14 August 2026