Director: College Professional Services

University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university based in Durban is seeking a Director of Professional Services. This senior role involves operational management of College Professional Support and Administrative functions, overseeing departments such as Finance and Student Support, and participating in strategic decision-making. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and have at least five years of senior management experience in higher education.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ relevant experience in management at a senior level in the higher education environment.
• 2 years cross-functional general management experience including Finance and Student Academic Administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage College Professional Support and Administrative functions.
• Oversee Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, and Student Support operations.
• Support the Registrar in managing Student Academic functions.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership skills

Cross-functional team management

Excellent communication

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Position summary

Listing reference: ukzn_000746
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 13 February 2026

Introduction

Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Durban
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes

Job description

The College of Health Sciences seeks a dynamic individual with a solid academic foundation at the university level to fill the Director: Professional Services position.

The Director’s key function is the effective operational management of College Professional Support and Administrative functions for the delivery of the College’s objectives by shaping and influencing policy and strategy.

The Director will oversee the operations of Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, and Student Support managers in the College, who report into Divisional structures. The DPS will line manage the school-based managers (School Student Administration Manager, and School Operations Manager) and, through them, School based Administrative Staff.

The Director is a senior member of the College Leadership and Management and collectively responsible to deliver College strategy with the College DVC, Directors and College Deans.

The incumbent will report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College and will also have a fractional line management responsibility to the University Registrar.

The incumbent will, with the Directors in the Registrar’s Office, support the Registrar in managing the Student Academic functions in a coordinated manner.

The post requires travel between the campuses of operations, although the incumbent will be based on the Howard College Campus.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant Master's degree
• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience in management at a senior level in the higher education environment
• Two (2) years cross-functional general management experience (this must include
• Finance and Student Academic Administration) in a Higher Education environment
• Unendorsed driver's license

Application process

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 February 2026.
It is compulsory for applicants to complete and submit the relevant application form (application form – Support) which is available on the following link: https://hr.ukzn.ac.za/forms/ when applying for this post.
To apply, click on the link https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php

Privacy statement

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) 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.

EEO statements

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are shortlisted for interview.
• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
• The University is committed to Employment Equity.
• The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
• Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful.
• Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.