Senior Director International Office 5 year fixed term contract at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

• The core purpose of the job is to provide both strategic management and leadership of Nelson Mandela university’s internationalization initiatives, along the three academic missions of the University (learning and teaching; research; and engagement). Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, the Senior Director for International Education will also be responsible for facilitating the attraction, support, and retention of international students; promotion of positive and productive international partnerships that advance the intentions of University’s Vision 2030; as well as facilitation and support of the institutional academic and strategic internationalisation programme led by the Vice-Chancellor and senior executives of the University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To develop and implement appropriate strategic plans for the internationalization of the Nelson Mandela University activities, along its three academic missions of learning and teaching; research; and engagement.
• To lend support to the institutional academic and strategic internationalisation programme led by the Vice-Chancellor and senior executives of the University.
• To strengthen and grow the footprint of the institution across the rest of the African continent and to grow and nurture existing partnerships in the global South.
• To strengthen and grow international exchange programmes.
• To strengthen Nelson Mandela University's relationships with other institutions of higher learning, locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
• To collaborate with academic administration in directing the recruitment programmes of international students.
• To contribute to the positive identity enhancement, marketing and profiling of the University internationally, in liaison with Communication and Marketing Department
• To actively promote a culture that supports internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University.
• To manage human resources and direct, manage and maintain finances of the International Office, in line with institutional policies and best practice.
• To develop and implement systems and processes for the effective management of international partnerships at the Nelson Mandela University.
• To support the University with regards its transformational agenda, in line with the Vision, Mission and Values of the institution.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ability to provide strategic leadership to an international office
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders regionally, nationally and internationally
• A comprehensive knowledge of the Higher Education legislation and regulatory frameworks related to international education.
• An in-depth insight into trends in higher education nationally and internationally
• A sound knowledge of academic administrative requirements in respect of the admission and
• enrolment of students
• Strong financial planning and management skills
• Excellent marketing and networking skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Relationship Building: Building and actively maintaining working relationships and/or networks of contacts to further the University’s goals.
• Strategic Focus: Developing and inspiring commitment to a vision of success; supporting, promoting and ensuring alignment with the University’s vision and values

REQUIREMENTS

• A Doctorate in a relevant field, along with a demonstrated understanding of an academic environment;
• At least 8-10 years senior management experience of which five (5) years would have been  in the area of  higher education internationalization, or similar environment
• Familiarity with South African  immigration and other national regulatory frameworks and policies related to international students in higher education;
• Significant experience working with international students at different academic levels