senior director

Advert reference: uj_002187

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 5 January 2026

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

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".

Job description

"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.

For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO

Job Description:

The University seeks to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader of high professional and academic standing as Senior Director: Global Engagement, reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation. The Senior Director will provide strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Global Engagement Division (Division). The Senior Director must effectively and collegially steward the Division to excel in all aspects related to global engagement while overseeing the following sub-divisions: International student recruitment, admissions and marketing, study abroad, academic services, international fundraising and administration, international public relations and communications.

The Senior Director: Global Engagement plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's global engagements, international branding and marketing, fostering a diverse and inclusive international community, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. This portfolio contributes to the university's international reputation and its ability to prepare students for a globally interconnected world. The primary purpose of the Senior Director: Global Engagement role is to provide leadership and drive global excellence and stature, as well as deliver high-level strategic and operational leadership to the Global Engagement portfolio and all relevant stakeholders within the university, including Vice Deans for Global Engagement. Further, to determine, articulate, implement, and lead high-level strategic and operational initiatives in accordance with the University's Strategic Plan 2035.

The Senior Director will be expected to:

• Provide visionary leadership to advance the university's global engagement initiatives
• Develop and implement a strategy for academic and diplomatic protocol to enhance external stakeholder relations.
• Develop and implement a strategy for the targeted recruitment of talented international students with a focus on Africa but not excluding the Globe.
• Manage and lead the administrative aspects of global engagement including budgets, grants management, and compliance with international laws.
• Target recruitment and nurture talented scholars and students with a focus on Africa as well as the Globe.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities from international funding sources, collaborators, partners, government funders and philanthropic support.
• Comprehensively respond to internationalisation-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports.
• Assist the Registrar and Executive Deans in the provision of the relevant academic administrative support for international students.
• In partnership with the faculties, institutes and research centres, drive and/or support initiatives to realise the University's Strategic Plans.
• Oversee services and support for international students, including admissions, visa assistance, orientation, and cultural integration.
• Strengthen the University's partnership with internationally recognized ranking agencies, such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), and others.
• Ensure compliance with international regulations, immigration policies, and legal requirements related to international students and activities.
• Ensure the effective, responsible, and efficient management and utilisation of the division's finances and resources.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with international universities, institutions, and organizations.
• Oversee and implement innovative staff development and management initiatives including retention and recruitment.

Minimum requirements

• PhD qualification (NQF level 10) or equivalent.
• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature.
• Senior executive management experience (at least 10 years) at an academic institution and/or within a division of a significant size and complexity.
• Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector – nationally, regionally and internationally.
• Knowledge of international regulations, immigration policies, and best practices in higher education internationalization.
• Established and valuable international networks paired with outstanding stewardship, diplomatic, effective, and efficient communication skills to leverage local,
• Pan-African, and global networks.
• Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising external to the University environment.
• Ability to manage the portfolio's finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment mentorship and development.
• The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
• Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.

Competencies (Technical Skills and Behavioural Attributes) required:

• The ability to professionally manage, motivate and display individual leadership qualities.
• A self-driven leader, with understanding of protocol and an international ambassador.
• The ability to ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning.
• The ability to develop and maintain good networks.
• Demonstrate strong problem solving and decision-making capabilities.
• The ability to promote, sustain excellence and manage risks within the portfolio.
• Ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion, and constructive interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and its impact on higher education and society.
• Understanding and commitment to the University's values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.

Recommendation:

• Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association.
• Experience in a University or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.
• Experience in process modernization and transformation.

Terms of appointment:

The position of Senior Director is a permanent appointment, with an Executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Retirement Age:

The normal retirement age for members of the Senior Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term.

Application:

To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.

Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: or e-mailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe –

Closing Date: 05 January 2026

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.