Manager: Student Governance at University of the Witwatersrand

Department Description        

• The Student Governance Office (SGO) is one of the four units that constitute the Centre for Student Development (CSD) within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand SGO is the responsible for the promotion of cooperative governance at Wits by providing comprehensive development, support and administrative services to the student governance. The SGO is key in facilitating effective stakeholder engagement for the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and its substructures and is an important enabler of student governance engagement with the University management. 
• Against this background, the University seeks to appoint a Manager: Student Governance in the CSD, within the Division of Student Affairs. Reporting to the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, the incumbent will manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the SGO, ensuring that all activities and tasks are aligned to provide holistic support to the SRC and the broad network of clubs and societies that contribute to the creation of a dynamic and vibrant student life at Wits. The Manager will provide leadership to the SGO and ensure that the SRC, clubs, and other student governance structures operate in compliance with institutional policies, rules, and procedures. 

Brief Description        
Some of the duties of the incumbent will include:

• Provide high-level operational leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Student Governance Office (SGO) in alignment with Wits University’s strategic goals.
• Create and sustain an enabling environment for student leaders and staff to perform their daily functions in accordance with the values of the Division of Student Affairs and the University.
• Define, implement, and communicate the unit’s strategic approach to student life, student governance, and student leadership development.
• Oversee the elections of the Student Representative Council (SRC), 35 School Councils, 5 Faculty Councils, the Postgraduate Association, the Student Forum, and other student leadership structures as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO); establish and manage systems and structures to ensure seamless, credible, and transparent elections.
• Lead the design and implementation, in partnership with the SRC, of capacity building programmes and initiatives for the student leaders in close collaboration with the Development and Leadership Uni, and other relevant departments.
• Develop and facilitate capacity-building and strategic planning programmes for the SRC, clubs, societies and organizations, school and faculty councils, the postgraduate association, and the student forum.
• Enable the effective participation of the SRC and its substructures in university governance structures like Council, Senate, Forum and its various committees and sub-committees.
• Ensure student governance compliance with the provisions of the SRC constitution, and university policies, rules as well as relevant legislation and assist the SRC in developing its own policies in line with its mandate.
• Identify and analyse key challenges faced by student leaders, working collaboratively with the Deputy Dean and Dean of Student Affairs, and other relevant officials, to recommend and implement appropriate interventions.
• Ensure timely and adequate administrative and resource support to all student leadership structures.
• Assume overall accountability for the budget allocated to the SGO and ensure prudent financial management in compliance with institutional policies.
• Oversee and monitor the SRC budget, ensuring adherence to the University’s financial rules and procedures.
• Manage and verify the budgets of 135 Clubs and Societies, 35 School Councils, and 5 Faculty Councils, ensuring sound financial control and accountability.
• Provide comprehensive administrative, logistical and project management support to the SRC and its substructures.
• Continuously review and enhance processes and systems to strengthen implementation, monitoring, and financial control mechanisms.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with key internal stakeholders, including the Legal Office, Heads of Schools, Faculty Registrars, the University Registrar, and other relevant offices to advance institutional objectives.
• Lead the review and updating of student governance policies, including the SRC Constitution, SRC Standing Orders, Electoral rules and related frameworks governing student structures.
• Promote and uphold principles of good governance within the office and across all student structures.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to staff within the SGO, fostering a supportive and developmental work environment.
• Facilitate the implementation of staff performance management processes in accordance with institutional policies and guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with Managers of other units in CSD to give effect to Student Affairs’ strategic imperatives and values.

Essential requirements

The university seek to attract applications from individuals who meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree (Postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage)
• A minimum of six (6) years’ relevant experience in student affairs and/or student development, of which at least three (3) years must have been at a managerial level
• Demonstrated management skills, including strategic management, people management, financial and project management, communication, and reporting writing.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector, specifically in the role of student governance and leadership in university governance, and experience in developing capacity and leadership development initiatives.
• Experience in analysing and interpreting legislation and in drafting policies and/or constitutional amendments.
• Excellent negotiation, conflict management and
• Emotional intelligence and resilience.

Deadline:19th January,2026