Director: Student Life & Governance (P5) at University of Johannesburg

Responsibilities:

• Developing, directing and monitoring the strategy and operational plan of student life and governance.
• Ensuring alignment of the strategy of Student Life and Governance to the strategic objectives of the University.
• Ensuring that all the applicable student policies are up to date.
• Identifying neds for policy development and review the functions of Student Life and Governance.
• Initiating and facilitating the development or amendment of policies in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance and adherence to all the applicable policies.
• Conceptualising and implementing strategic plans in conjunction with staff members.
• Assisting staff members in operational planning and driving actions related to Student Life and Governance.
• Giving guidance and direction to staff members regarding the relevant daily duties.
• Liaising with relevant authorities on behalf of Student Life and Governance.
• Assisting staff members with problem-solving and conflict management.
• Ensuring a high-performance culture, accountability, and consequence management.
• Setting performance targets to align with the institutional targets.
• Compiling quarterly and annual reports of Student Life and Governance.
• Drafting ad hoc reports and feedback for line managers and MEC on salient matters
• Attending meetings of standard and ad-hoc committees.
• Communicating decisions of relevant committees and divisions to relevant stakeholders.
• Executing tasks delegated by the institutional committees.
• Attending projects and functions of Student Affairs and student organisations.
• Assisting with planning and organising events and projects of Student Affairs Division and student organisations.
• Conducting and coordinating relevant events and projects.
• Identifying areas of development for staff.
• Facilitating the development of a capacity-building programme for staff.
• Managing all the processes of consequence management.
• Developing communication skills of staff (clear and no ambiguity communication)
• Proposing new budget items as and when necessary.
• Managing the allocated budget and ensure adherence and compliance with the allocated budget and applicable finance policies and procedures of the University.
• Monthly reconciliation of financial transactions with Finance Business Partner.
• Controlling financial expenditure throughout the year.
• Holding subordinates accountable for financial transactions and budgets.
• Promoting the initiatives that enhance student wellbeing.
• Enhancing and maintaining student wellness initiatives.
• Promoting transformative student culture.
• Maintaining excellent student satisfaction levels.
• Promoting campus student stability.
• Revitalising the vibrancy of organised student life through appropriate programmes and projects.
• Maintaining cordial relationships with students.
• Preparing student leaders for any engagement with MEC and other institutional structures.
• Aligning student expectations with the role and functions of the University.
• Ensuring that, in case of demonstrations, they are well managed.
• Managing, co-ordinating and controlling student involvement in student community engagement and the initiatives of the University.
• Facilitating annual elections of the Student Representative Council (SRC), House Committees, Student Parliament, Council of Students with Disabilities, student councils and societies.
• Implementing the initiatives to eliminate the identified risks and challenges.
• Ensuring a follow-through on the application of measures to eliminate risks and challenges.
• Assisting with the editing of SRC reports to MEC and institutional forums.
• Taking and/or keeping records and minutes of relevant meetings.
• Foster partnerships with faculties other support divisions and external stakeholders to support student success.
• Provide guidance and support to students, parents and staff on student life matters.

Minimum Requirements:

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent (NQF 8).
• Five (5) to eight (8) Years of experience within the Student Affairs environment.
• Five (5) to eight (8) Years of experience in interacting with Student Leaders.
• Extensive and demonstrable relevant management experience.
• Budgeting experience.
• Two (2) Years of experience in managing staff.
• Two (2) Years of experience in financial management.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Negotiation skills, conflict management skills.
• Financial management skills and resource management skills.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Information and knowledge management skills.
• Effective leadership and outstanding people management skills.
• Risk assessment and management skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and under pressure.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Creative and innovative skills.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Stakeholder engagement and management.

Recommendations:

Knowledge of:

• Higher Education legislation (Higher Education Act).
• Principles of corporate governance (e.g. financial, communication management).
• Republic of South Africa Constitution, 1996.
• Applicable University regulations, policies and procedures,
• University structures and services
• 5 years’ experience in Student Affairs
• A qualification in management studies would be an advantage.