Manager: Student Governance

Brief Description

Some of the duties of the incumbent will include:

Provide high-level operational leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Student Governance Office (SGO) in alignment with Wits Universitys strategic goals.

Create and sustain an enabling environment for student leaders and staff to perform their daily functions in accordance with the values of the Division of Student Affairs and the University.

Define, implement, and communicate the units strategic approach to student life, student governance, and student leadership development.

Oversee the elections of the Student Representative Council (SRC), 35 School Councils, 5 Faculty Councils, the Postgraduate Association, the Student Forum, and other student leadership structures as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO); establish and manage systems and structures to ensure seamless, credible, and transparent elections.

Design and deliver comprehensive student leadership induction programmes for the SRC, clubs, societies and organizations, school and faculty councils, the postgraduate association, and the student forum.

Develop and facilitate capacity-building and strategic planning programmes for the SRC, clubs, societies and organizations, school and faculty councils, the postgraduate association, and the student forum.

Identify and analyse key challenges faced by student leaders, working collaboratively with the Deputy Dean and Dean of Student Affairs, and other relevant officials, to recommend and implement appropriate interventions.

Ensure timely and adequate administrative and resource support to all student leadership structures.

Assume overall accountability for the budget allocated to the SGO and ensure prudent financial management in compliance with institutional policies.

Oversee and monitor the SRC budget, ensuring adherence to the Universitys financial rules and procedures.

Manage and verify the budgets of 135 Clubs and Societies, 35 School Councils, and 5 Faculty Councils, ensuring sound financial control and accountability.

Continuously review and enhance processes and systems to strengthen implementation, monitoring, and financial control mechanisms.

Build and maintain effective partnerships with key internal stakeholders, including the Legal Office, Heads of Schools, Faculty Registrars, the University Registrar, and other relevant offices to advance institutional objectives.

Lead the review and updating of student governance policies, including the SRC Constitution, SRC Standing Orders, Electoral rules and related frameworks governing student structures.

Promote and uphold principles of good governance within the office and across all student structures.

Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to staff within the SGO, fostering a supportive and developmental work environment.

Facilitate the implementation of staff performance management processes in accordance with institutional policies and guidelines.

Work collaboratively with Managers of other units in CSD to give effect to Student Affairs strategic imperatives and values.

Essential requirements:

The university seeks to attract applications from individuals who meet the following requirements:

-A bachelors degree (postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage)

-A minimum of 6 years relevant experience in a student affairs and/or student development role.

-Demonstrated management skills, including strategic management, people management, financial and project management, communication, and reporting writing.

-Knowledge of the higher education sector, specifically in the role of student governance and leadership in university governance, and experience in developing capacity and leadership development initiatives.

-Experience in analysing and interpreting legislation and in drafting policies and/or constitutional amendments.

-Excellent negotiation, conflict management and

-Emotional intelligence and resilience.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Please note that applications have to be done through iRecruitment only and queries may be directed to No hardcopies or emails should be submitted.

Please submit a covering letter for the post, and a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees.

By submitting an application for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the Universitys Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the Universitys recruitment systems and disclosing their personal information to University employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any further processing of their personal information as may be required for relevant verification and reference check purposes. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

Closing Date: 14 November 2025

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home

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