Director: Study Abroad

Director: Study Abroad (P5) (Division for Global Engagement) Advert reference: uj_ Advert status: Online Apply by: 26 September 2025 Position Summary Job category: Education and Training Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: EE Level: Senior Introduction The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future". “Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University. The University of Johannesburg is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Division for Global Engagement as Director, Study Abroad. This leadership role reports directly to the Senior Director of Global Engagement and plays a key part in advancing the University’s internationalisation strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate international education professional to contribute to shaping global experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Responsibilities: Lead and coordinate all aspects of the Study Abroad Programme, including student selection, application processing, registration, and orientation. Manage housing, safety, and wellbeing of international students in partnership with internal departments and external landlords. Maintain and update programme materials and promotional content, including the UJ Study Abroad website. Build and maintain strong relationships with international partner universities, embassies, consulates,and government agencies (e.g., Department of Home Affairs). Develop and implement new international partnerships, short-term programmes (summer/winter schools), and customised faculty-led study abroad initiatives, incl. new innovative exchange programmes promoting entrepreneurship. Maintain relationships with the Consulates and Embassies of partner countries to ensure adequate predeparture briefing of inbound students; attend briefings regularly. Establish and maintain contact with the international offices and administration offices of partners. Provide strategic immigration support for international students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and UJ employees. Monitor international trends, benchmarks, and policy development to ensure UJ’s programme remains competitive and aligned with global standards. Oversee financial management, grant writing, budgeting, and resource allocation within the Study Abroad Office. Collaborate with faculties and internal stakeholders to enhance interdisciplinary international education opportunities. Represent UJ locally and internationally at events, conferences, and on advisory boards. Lead a team by providing staff training, development, performance management, and workflow optimisation. Serve as acting Senior Director: Global Engagement when required, including delegated authorityresponsibilities. A Postgraduate qualification (NQF 9) in International Relations, Education, Communication or other relevant field. Demonstrated experience of a minimum of 5 years in international higher education, student mobility, or globalprogramme administration. A strong understanding of immigration policies and procedures relevant to South African higher education. Excellent leadership, organisational, communication and intercultural communication skills. Sound knowledge of new technology and the ability to integrate new technology in order to streamlineprocesses and reporting mechanisms internally and externally. Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally. Competencies and Behavioural Attributes: Proven ability to work effectively and in a collegial manner with university staff and faculties. Proven report writing and presentation skills. Excellent leadership skills for dealing with own staff and advising senior academics. Proven ability to provide academic leadership in the development of curricula. Well-developed written and oral communication skills with competency in public relations and negotiation. Ability to conduct research in this area of work and convey results effectively to the University management. Ability to coordinate among many university departments. Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills. Ability to network and build relationships. Recommendations: A PhD in relevant field. Prior experience from a Study Abroad portfolio at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad. Ability to communicate and drive marketing and brand activities. An additional language other than a South African official language. Enquiries: Enquiries regarding job content: Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede (Senior Director) at Tel: Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Mandisa Malindisa (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output. If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: / or email . Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments. In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) . The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University. Do you require help with the registration process? #J-18808-Ljbffr