Director: Student Affairs at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Management

• Provide strategic leadership in respect of the Department of the Student Affairs portfolio, covering the areas of Student Development, Student Governance, Student Health, Student Counselling and the Disability Unit), according to the vision, mission, aims and objectives of the University of Pretoria;
• Conduct continuous short- and medium-term planning to ensure the effective functioning of the Department;
• Initiate and influence policy at macro and micro levels by providing strategic information to the Vice-Principal: Student Life and relevant entities;
• Plan and implement innovative co- and extra-curricular programmes and projects to promote student success and wellness; and
• Contribute towards minimising or eliminating risks that the department and university might be exposed to through proactively taking appropriate and timely steps within the portfolio.

Operational Management

• Provide leadership and oversight of operational activities in the following units in the portfolio:

• Student Development Unit - Oversee and provide leadership with regard to the development, implementation and management of programmes to ensure that extra-curricular activities complement curricular activities, are organized and have specific learning outcomes;
• Student Governance Unit - Oversee and ensure the alignment of all student governance structures within the framework of principles approved by the Council;
• Student Health and Services Unit - Provide leadership and oversee the planning and implementation of health education and awareness programmes;
• Disability Unit - Oversee and ensure that innovative programmes are planned and implemented to advance the student success of students with disabilities; and
• Student Counselling Unit - Provide leadership and oversee the management, development and implementation of innovative, efficient, pro-active and sustainable models and approaches aimed at providing student mental health and wellness that promote student success.

Financial Management

• Compile comprehensive departmental personnel, capital and operational budgets on an annual basis, in consultation with the relevant role-players;
• Control costs by applying effective control measures, and report at relevant platforms at agreed intervals;
• Manage departmental budgets and funds according to University policies; and
• Raising funds for student affairs activities, including entrepreneurial initiatives for the department.

Human Resources Management

• Manage the Human Resources portfolio in the department according to the University's policies and guidelines;
• Manage and maintain an effective performance management system to develop and enhance the performance of individuals, teams and the division, thus contributing to the performance of the entire department; and
• Guide decision-making and establish clear delegations and authority.

Administrative Management

• Oversee the administrative functions of the department and ensure that resources and equipment are efficiently and effectively utilised.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant PhD degree;
• A total of 10 years relevant experience in dealing with student affairs and related areas, including at least 5 years management experience, in a higher education institution;
• Experience in student development, student health and wellness management. This should include the following key components:
• Strategic leadership and management;
• National and global trends in higher education and implications for student affairs;
• Holistic development of undergraduate students;
• The challenges facing students enrolled in higher education programmes;
• Student governance structures;
• Working with students from diverse backgrounds, including leadership development;
• Working knowledge and understanding of the needs of Students with Disabilities;
• The development and implementation of extra-curricular initiatives to complement curricular and co-curricular activities;
• Broad financial principles and practises related to students' budget management skills; and
• Human Resources and Administrative Management, e.g. supervision, mentoring, etc.
• A valid driver’s licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Extensive knowledge of student governance structures;
• Extensive knowledge of financial processes;
• Extensive knowledge of project management and events;
• Extensive knowledge in development and conceptualisation of policies and procedures;
• Extensive knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities;
• Advanced knowledge of policy development and implementation;
• Extensive knowledge of coordinating projects and events;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and writing);
• Research skills, including action research, and proven ability to write articles;
• Excellent organising, planning and prioritising skills;
• Good interpersonal skills, facilitation and negotiating skills;
• Ability to provide leadership in a complex higher education environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills;
• Good mediation and facilitation skills;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure whilst adhering to strict timelines of delivery; and
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality;

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in the development of manuals for student leadership training; and
• Experience in training and facilitation;

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2023