Director: Housing and Residence Affairs (Post Level 5) (Contract Appointment: Five Years, with the Possibility of Reappointment for a Further Term) (Job ID 5656) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide leadership and allocate the necessary resources to the Housing and Residence Affairs Department, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the University.
• Continuously revise and adjust the HRA Master Plan to ensure planning and execution in cooperation with University Estates. This includes the HRA’s Asset Life Cycle Management.
• Lead the development and implementation of appropriate policies, protocols, guidelines, and strategies regarding the provision of a quality living and learning student residence system in line with the University's goals.
• Conceptualize the administrative processes, structures, technology, and systems needed to support the department's service provision.
• Assume responsibility for all on- and off-campus accommodation policies and accreditation protocols, ensuring that the execution of services to students adheres to DHET policies, quality frameworks, and standards.
• Assume responsibility for adherence to all related compliance aspects, including placement practices and guidelines, insourcing and outsourcing plans, the Risk Register, health and safety compliance of residences, external audits on the quality of cleaning services, etc.
• Manage the department’s budget sustainability to ensure HRA adheres to UFS budgetary guidelines.
• Ensure the establishment and negotiation of realistic service levels and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate all staff-related functions.
• Champion and support the transformation of the University, driving transformation processes and initiatives within the department.
• Ensure, through the placement policy, the enhancement of the diversity and social cohesion objectives of the institution.
• Develop the transport strategy for students.
• Oversee the catering strategy for students.
• Oversee the complaints desk that serves service providers as well as students.
• Participate in and chair important institutional committees.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree on NQF Level 9. 
• A minimum of eight years' relevant experience in areas indicated in the duties and responsibilities, of which five years must have been in a managerial and strategic leadership position.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution.
• Experience in a university or similar environment.

Recommendations

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sound knowledge of business drivers and trends and environmental factors to influence and shape the departmental strategy.
• Experience in staff management and leadership.
• A firm understanding of the policies and procedures of the University and higher education. 
• Knowledge of the off-campus accommodation requirements.
• A firm understanding of the challenges in the higher-education sector in South Africa.
• Knowledge of maintenance (building), housekeeping, transport and catering services.
• The ability to operate confidently and sensitively across cultural and other divides.