Assistant Director (post level 7) Job ID: 6603

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Free State invites applications for the Assistant Director (post level 7) at the Bloemfontein campus. The appointee will lead institutional research, strategic analytics and planning activities within MIR and DIRAP, contributing to policy formation, planning, reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements include a Master's degree (NQF level 9) and at least four years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration/Public Management, Statistics, Data Analytics or related field.
• Minimum of four years of working experience related to the duties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct institutional research to support planning and policy decisions.
• Analyze external context and trends affecting the university.
• Process research data into business intelligence with standardized definitions and analyses.
• Contribute to research publications.
• Manage administration of research projects and stakeholder engagements.
• Support strategic planning and quality assurance with reporting requirements.

Skills

Results-Oriented

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Microsoft Office

Education

Master's degree (NQF 9) in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)

Job description

Job Title

Assistant Director (post level 7) Job ID: 6603

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State → Deputy Vice‑Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs → Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP) → Monitoring and Institutional Research

Contract Type

Permanent

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Location

Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

30/9/2026

Description

This post was previously advertised as Job ID 6418 and Job ID 6462. Candidates who applied in response to the previous advertisements are required to submit a new application if they remain interested.

Requirements

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct institutional research that supports planning, policy formulation, and decision-making.
• Conduct analysis that improves our understanding of the external context within which the UFS is located (e.g., trends in state funding of higher education, policy shifts, and matric results).
• Process research data into business intelligence by focusing on uniform data definitions, analyses, and the interpretation of information.
• Contribute to research publications.
• Manage the administration of all research projects and stakeholder engagements.
• Engage in institutional strategic planning efforts, contributing to the formulation of the University's vision, mission, and deliverables.
• Actively contribute to the University's strategic planning and quality assurance processes, including monitoring implementation, evaluating impact, and preparing relevant reports.
• Participate in planning and team meetings within MIR and DIRAP.
• Contribute to statutory reporting, including compilation of the annual report, annual performance plan, and mid-year reports.
• Liaise with relevant external bodies.
• Fulfill all responsibilities regarding own performance management.
• Assume responsibilities within the department that may arise spontaneously or as needed, in line with the Assistant Director-level appointment.

Inherent Requirements

• A Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Higher Education, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration/Public Management, Statistics, Data Analytics, Economics, or a related field relevant to institutional research, planning and analysis.
• A minimum of four (4) years of working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations

• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.
• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the South African higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.

Competencies

Required Competencies

• Results-Oriented:
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office programmes, specifically Word and Excel.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African higher education environment.
• In-depth knowledge of strategic and operational planning, reporting policy, and processes.
• Demonstrated statutory reporting skills, specifically in terms of preparing submissions to the DHET.
• Demonstrated high-level communication skills, including (but not limited to) presentation, process facilitation, and negotiation.
• Leading:
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• Building Coalitions:
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.

Assumption Of Duties

As soon as possible.

Closing Date

30 September 2026

Salary

The salary scale is available on request.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail] Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9813 for assistance.

General

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under‑represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.