Senior Director Student Affairs(5-Year Contract) Renewable subject to performance at University of Johannesburg

Job description

• The Senior Director reports to the Senior Executive Director. The role serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Group and is critical in creating a holistic university experience for students by providing support, resources, and opportunities that contribute to their personal and academic success. This division is responsible for a wide range of services and programs that contribute to the personal, social, and cultural growth of students.

The University is seeking to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader who will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the portfolio in accordance with the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Provide leadership over the portfolio’s policies and processes to enhance student success, engagement and overall satisfaction.
• Implement initiatives to support the vast student populations, fostering an inclusive campus culture, and ensure equitable access to educational resources and opportunities.
• Raise the level of student leadership to international standards by creating a learning and caring environment and community where strong, effective, responsible, disciplined, and accountable leadership is developed.
• Enhance strategies linked to the provision of world-class on and off-campus accredited accommodation conducive to the holistic development of young future leaders.
• Ensure effective monitoring and administration of Privately Owned Student Accommodation (POSA).
• Provide support to the Student Representative Council (SRC), student organisations, house committees, resident advisors, house wardens, and any other student bodies through training and development or any other assistance required.
• Develop, implement, and support policies and activities to promote student life and governance, student health, wellness, and welfare, as well as student ethics and governance.
• Develop and implement programmes and initiatives to prevent crises and proactively address student needs.
• Ensure high-quality divisional governance, administrative and systems functioning.
• Interact with the Office of the General Counsel to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to student affairs and campus life.
• Ensure the effective, responsible, and efficient management and utilisation of the division’s finances and resources.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with faculties, staff, students, and external stakeholders, as well as national and international partnerships.
• Oversee and implement innovative staff development and management initiatives, including retention and recruitment.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s degree (NQF 9).
• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature.
• At least five years of proven experience in university management, particularly the management of student affairs.
• In-depth understanding of current national and international debates around approaches to student affairs, student ethics, judicial services, and student governance.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector – nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising external to the University environment.
• Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment mentorship and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.