18 Dean: Student Affairs (P4)

Central University of Technology, Free State; Vrystaat; On-site; ZAR 1,686,000 - 2,061,000; Full time

Job summary

Central University of Technology, Free State invites applications for the role of Dean: Student Affairs (P4) at the Bloemfontein Campus. The incumbent provides leadership to the Student Affairs portfolio, overseeing Wellness, Governance, Operational Sport and Residence units, aligned with CUT’s 2030 strategy.

Five-year fixed-term, with a minimum salary of R 1 873 216, offering senior leadership responsibility and a focus on policy, data stewardship and stakeholder relations within a higher

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Sciences or Education.
• Eight years' relevant experience.
• Five years in a leadership role in higher education with knowledge of student services.
• Experience in strategy, policy, and business process development.
• Facilitation of productive relations between management and students.
• Proficiency in data presentation and knowledge management.

Responsibilities

• Develop policies and strategic plans for Student Affairs.
• Lead Wellness Centre, Operational Sport, Residences, and Governance & Student Life.
• Oversee resource stewardship (human, financial, infrastructural).
• Cultivate a culture of efficiency, execution, monitoring and learning.
• Establish and maintain data stewardship and knowledge management.
• Represent the section at internal and external forums.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy development

Policy development

Data management

Project management

Report writing

Business communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Facilitation

Education

Master's degree

Doctorate-level degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

18 Dean: Student Affairs (P4)
OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL│ Student Affairs
Bloemfontein Campus

Main purpose of the job

To provide leadership to the Student Affairs portfolio in line with institutional imperatives on Student-centredness. Furthermore, the purpose of the role is to direct and oversee the integrated service operations to our students, namely the Wellness, Governance, Operational Sport and Residence units of the University. The Dean will ensure that the services rendered by these units meet the needs of the students and are in line with the University’s 2030 strategic vision, policies and procedures.

Main tasks

1. Develop policies and strategic plans for the section.
2. Provide leadership for, and oversee the functioning of the following units:
   • Wellness Centre
   • Operational Sport
   • Residences
   • Governance & Student Life
3. Provide appropriate stewardship of resources (Human, financial, and Infrastructural) for the section.
4. Create a culture conducive to efficiency and effective execution, monitoring, and learning in the section.
5. Establish and maintain capacity for effective data stewardship and knowledge management in the section.
6. Represent the section internally at different forums and the university at external forums.

Nature of appointment

Five (5)- year fixed-term Support Services

Minimum salary scale (Total Cost to Company)

R 1 873 216

Note: CUT applies an internal parity model to determine remuneration that complies with the principle of "equal pay for work of equal value". Accordingly, the preferred candidate may expect an offer that is in line with their qualifications and years of similar experience. Please contact the Recruitment office for more information on the applicable salary scale.

Minimum Qualification/ Knowledge & Experience

• Master's degree (i.e. M Tech / Masters / NQF 9 or equivalent) in Social Sciences or Education.
• Eight (8) years' relevant experience.
• Five (5) years in a leadership role, preferably in a higher education environment with knowledge of the student service environment (Wellness, Residence management, Sport, and Student Governance).
• Demonstrated experience of strategy, policy, and business process development.
• Demonstrated experience of facilitating productive relations between university management and students.
• Proficiency in the use of computer applications for purposes of presentation, data/knowledge management, reporting, etc.
• Understanding of key Higher Education Institutional Systems and Structures.
• Understanding of the South African Higher Education Policy framework and legislation, Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, and the location of Student Affairs therein.
• Project management skills.
• Report Writing skills.
• Advanced business communication (presentation and writing) skills.
• Negotiation and bargaining skills.
• Conflict resolution and peace-making skills.
• Troubleshooting and solutions mindset.
• Facilitation skills
• Proficient in Excel & Word (intermediate level).
  

Desired Qualification, Knowledge and/Or Experience

• A SAQA-approved Doctorate-level degree (i.e., D Tech / PhD / D. Ed./ NQF 10 or equivalent) in Social Sciences or Education.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• Five (5) years in a leadership role, preferably in a higher education environment in charge of Student Affairs.
• Fundraising and leveraging to support strategic objectives.

Job-Related Enquiries

Dr KC Makhetha ([e-mail])

Remuneration, Benefits and Process Enquiries

Recruitment Office ([e-mail])

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - 30 October 2026