Senior Director: Internationalisation at Stellenbosch University

Duties/Pligte        

The Senior Director: Internationalisation assumes overarching responsibility for:

• Providing strategic leadership, coordination and oversight for comprehensive internationalisation across Stellenbosch University.
• Leading the review and implementation of the University's internationalisation strategy and partnership frameworks in alignment with institutional priorities and global developments in consultation with the relevant university stakeholders.
• Advancing Stellenbosch University's global academic, research and innovation profile, and its commitment to acting in, with and for Africa, through strategic, ethical, and mutually beneficial international and continental partnerships and initiatives.
• Supporting the strategic internationalisation initiatives led by the DVC: Research and Internationalisation.
• Providing executive oversight, strategic direction, and HR management for Stellenbosch University International and its associated centres, units, and portfolios, ensuring the Division's operational and financial sustainability.
• Leading and strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships, international networks, and alliances to enhance the University's global engagement and visibility.
• Driving internationalisation at home, global learning and curriculum-linked initiatives -connected to the University's academic renewal agenda- alongside international mobility initiatives for all students and staff.
• A sound understanding of African and South-African higher education policy, including the transformation agenda and debates surrounding academic mobility, and openness to international scholars. 
• Overseeing international student support services and promoting integrated support systems for international students and visitors.
• Leading stakeholder engagement with government entities, diplomatic missions, higher education institutions, multilateral organisations and funding agencies.
• Facilitating institution-wide coordination of internationalisation within a matrix management environment, and ensuring alignment with the University's research and innovation agenda.
• Ensuring effective information management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and compliance relating to internationalisation activities, partnerships and mobility programmes.
• Promoting responsible, ethical and sustainable internationalisation aligned with institutional values, national legislation and global best practice.
• Providing strategic leadership to ensure the operational and financial sustainability of Stellenbosch University International.
• Contributing to institutional governance, strategy development and cross-functional coordination within a matrix management environment.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes        

• A doctoral degree, preferably in a field related to international higher education, global affairs, international relations, public policy or institutional leadership.
• At least ten years' demonstrated higher education or science council experience with at least five years' managing an internationalisation portfolio.
• Significant leadership experience in international higher education and comprehensive internationalisation.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and the management of complex international collaborations and multi-unit environments.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with international stakeholders, including government entities, diplomatic missions, multilateral organisations, higher education networks, and funding bodies.
• Demonstrated experience in science diplomacy. 
• Evidence of engagement and communication of research on internationalisation at policy level, including science diplomacy, publications, or related initiatives.
• Strong strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, communication and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and diverse teams within a matrix organisational structure.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and relationship management skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy.
• Knowledge of information systems used to support and manage internationalisation partnerships and engagements.
• Sound understanding of budgeting, financial management and performance management systems.
• A strong understanding of global higher education trends, internationalisation practices and international partnership management from an African perspective.
• An entrepreneurial, innovative, and solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to responsible and ethical internationalisation.
• Membership of relevant internationalisation networks or professional bodies will be advantageous. 

Closing Date: 07-Aug-2026