DIRECTOR: Student Life

Advert reference: uj_001518

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 10 June 2024

Job category: University and Academy

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract: Permanent

EE position: EE

Level: Senior

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan University, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor's vision of "Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa".

Job Description:

To lead and manage Student Life and Governance, and enhance student learning and living experience.

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 needs 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 ensuring 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.
• 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.
• Fostering partnerships with faculties, other support divisions, and external stakeholders to support student success.
• Providing guidance and support to students, parents, and staff on student life matters.
• 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.
• Two (2) Years of experience in managing staff.
• Two (2) Years of experience in financial management.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication 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.
• 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.

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.

Enquiries regarding job content: Nomsa Mahlangu 011 559-1090 Senior Director: Student Affairs (Acting)

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Ms Sibongile Magwagwa 011 559-3014 Senior Manager: HCM Business Partnering

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.

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.