Executive Director: Student Services

In brief

Overview The University of KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an Executive Director: Student Services in the current South African Higher Education context, which sees an increasing focus on the student voice, coupled with funding pressures and competition. The University has developed a strategic approach to the entire student life cycle, aiming to build on its strengths and position itself as a sector leader. This role oversees the full student life cycle, leading relevant areas including the student pastoral journey, residential life, extracurricular engagement, and student innovations. The incumbent is a full member of the senior leadership team, serves on the Executive Management Committee, and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. What you will do * Manage the administration of the Directorate of Students Services (SSD) for the University of KwaZulu-Natal. * Serve as an advocate for students. * Share information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that promote student success and wellbeing. * Lead, with other members of the Executive Management Committee, the creation of a culture of learning and engagement for UKZN students by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promote students' academic and personal success, thereby increasing UKZN student employability. Requirements (from the original advert) * A Master’s Degree in a discipline recognised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. * Fifteen (15) years of relevant and appropriate experience, of which eight (8) years need to have been at a senior management level. * Demonstrable knowledge and experience in student funding, financial aid, student discipline, student accommodation, and student wellness programmes. * Experience in interacting with student governance in higher education and an understanding of student culture in a transforming institution. * Strong interpersonal capabilities. * An institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the Colleges and Professional Services Sector involving staff across the institution and with stakeholders. * The ability to inspire and motivate. * Proven capabilities as a team leader. * Good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness. * Outstanding written and oral communication skills for written work, public relations, networking, and team building. * The ability to make considered, well-balanced, and reasoned decisions. * An inclusive and collegial management style. * The ability to represent the University at formal events and meetings with external bodies and to establish relationships with stakeholders. * The ability to understand developments in the higher education arena, both nationally and internationally, and a high regard for learning and teaching practices, scholarship, and research. Who should apply The ideal candidate is an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities and an institutional leader who can foster relationships across the University and with external stakeholders. They should be able to inspire and motivate, possess proven team leadership capabilities, and demonstrate good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness. Essential qualities include outstanding written and oral communication skills for various contexts (written work, public relations, networking, team building), the ability to make considered and reasoned decisions, and an inclusive and collegial management style. Furthermore, the candidate must be capable of representing the University at formal events and establishing relationships with stakeholders, along with demonstrating an understanding of national and international higher education developments and a high regard for learning, teaching, scholarship, and research. Deadline 23 October 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/executive-director-student-services-university-of-kwazulu-natal Source: myjobmag

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• At least 15 years of experience.

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