DEAN OF STUDENTS

University of KwaZulu-Natal; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal invites applications for the fixed‑term post of Dean of Students in the Teaching and Learning Division. The Dean will provide strategic leadership for the University’s student affairs and support services portfolio, aligning initiatives with teaching and learning priorities and student wellbeing.

Reporting to the Deputy‑Vice‑Chancellor, the Dean will lead student engagement, retention, progression and completion, coordinate support services, strengthen referral

Qualifications

• PhD/Doctoral qualification in an appropriate field.
• Ten years of relevant experience, of which at least five years must be in a higher education environment.
• At least three years’ senior managerial experience within the higher education sector.
• Evidence of ability to work with internal and external stakeholders in support of student success.
• Evidence of involvement in conflict management and student disciplinary procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s student affairs and support services portfolio.
• Lead development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Division’s strategy, policies, and programmes.
• Strengthen integration of academic and non‑academic support throughout the student journey.
• Contribute to student engagement, retention, progression and completion.
• Coordinate responsive student support services and strengthen referral mechanisms.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Conflict management

People management

Education

PhD/Doctoral qualification

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

TEACHING AND LEARNING DIVISION

DEAN OF STUDENTS

FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT (PEROMNES GRADE 4)

TEACHING AND LEARNING DIVISION

OPERATING UNIVERSITY-WIDE

The Dean of Students provides strategic leadership for the University’s student affairs and support services portfolio, advancing a holistic, inclusive and supportive student experience. The incumbent will lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of the Division’s strategy, policies, and programmes, aligning them with the University’s teaching and learning priorities and its commitment to student wellbeing, development, and success.

Working closely with academic leadership, including College Deans of Teaching and Learning, professional services and student representative structures, the Dean will strengthen the integration of academic and non-academic support throughout the student journey. The role will contribute to student engagement, retention, progression and completion by coordinating responsive support services, monitoring the effectiveness of student support processes, strengthening referral mechanisms and addressing barriers to meaningful participation in university life.

The Dean of Students provides a critical link between the broader functions and operations of the Student Services Division and the academic programme, supporting development in and out of the academic sphere.

Attributes the incumbent will be expected to have include: positive interpersonal skills and the ability to understand the behaviour and environment of students, in order to create and engage in civil and respectful working relationships; the ability to communicate effectively with a range of other stakeholders, and draft reports, operating and regulatory documents; problem-solving and decisive decision-making skills, in a complex and pressurised environment.

The incumbent will report to the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Division.

• a PhD/Doctoral qualification in an appropriate field;
• Ten(10) years of relevant experience, of which at least five (5) years’ experience must be in a higher education environment;
• At least three (3) years’ senior managerial experience within the higher education sector;
• Evidence of the ability to work with and within collectives, collaborating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders and other team members, in support of student success;
• Evidence of involvement in conflict management and resolution processes and student disciplinary procedures.

The job profile, which contains advantages, leadership credentials and personal attributes for appointment can be obtained from Mr. Nqobizizwe Mthembu on e-mail: [e-mail].

Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service. The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 November 2026

Short-listed candidates may be expected to do a presentation on a specific topic.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.