Director Executive Support Office of the Vice-Chancellor 5 year contract

NMU; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Gqeberha is seeking an experienced executive support professional to assist the Vice-Chancellor. This role involves managing operations and supporting strategic initiatives within the university. Candidates should have a M+4 qualification, substantial experience in higher education, and strong leadership skills. The position emphasizes collaborative work and effective communication.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' working experience in higher education or a similar environment.
• At least 5 years in a management role.
• Knowledge of corporate governance in the higher education sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the Vice-Chancellor.
• Manage operational aspects, including financial resources.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and institutional responsiveness.
• Support strategic interventions and project management.
• Manage office operations and correspondence.

Skills

Technical / professional knowledge and skill

Strategic planning

Budget and financial management

People management including performance management

Building strategic alliances and partnerships

Management of transformation and change management

Emotional intelligence and social sensitivity

Strong written and verbal communications skills

Sound analytical and conceptualisation skills

Project management skills

Collaborative and collegial mindset

Decision making and ability to work independently

Education

M+4 qualification in a relevant field

Job description

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

Overview

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor is considered to be the heartbeat of the university. It is therefore critical that its organisational structure accommodates and supports the changing demands being made on what has become a very complex leadership position, which over time has broadened significantly to accommodate wide-ranging demands including stakeholder matters, inter-institutional collaborations and partnerships, as well as internal and external responsibilities that have to be addressed to ensure institutional sustainability and ultimately, its flourishing.

Responsibilities

The core purpose of the position is to provide executive support to the Vice-Chancellor in her capacity as the strategic leader of Nelson Mandela University. The role manages and oversees operational aspects, including human, financial and other resources, supports and sustains a culture of service, professionalism and continuous improvement in the Vice-Chancellor’s office and related organisational units. The role is also responsible for providing executive level committee support in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities to Council, Senate, executive management and other responsibilities, including overseeing special projects.

Reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. There may be dotted reporting lines to individuals designated by the Vice- Chancellor.

Key Performance Areas

• Enable and support the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership responsibilities (internal and external) including working closely with the Vice-Chancellor to plan and manage time effectively relating to short and long-term priorities and commitments of the role.
• Stakeholder engagement and institutional responsiveness, including ensuring open, professional and cordial channels of communication between the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and all relevant stakeholders.
• Support to and facilitation of incubatory strategic interventions and project management.
• Office Management, including working with other core staff in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor dealing with incoming and outgoing correspondence and emails and efficient operations of the Office.
• Financial management and reporting of the Office.

Core Competencies

• Technical / professional knowledge and skill
• Strategic planning
• Budget and financial management
• People management including performance management
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Management of transformation and change management
• Emotional intelligence and social sensitivity
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Sound analytical and conceptualisation skills
• Project management skills
• Collaborative and collegial mindset
• Decision making and ability to work independently

Requirements

M+4 qualification in a relevant field (e.g., education management, business administration, policy etc.) and 6 or more years’ working experience in higher education or a similar environment, including at least 5 years in a management role. In addition to the above requirements, candidates who possess the specifications below will have an added advantage :

• Sound knowledge and experience of corporate governance as well as legal, regulatory and policy environment, of the higher education sector.

Screening Questions

1. Do you have a M+4 qualification in a relevant field?
2. Do you have 6 or more years’ working experience in higher education or a similar environment including at least 5 years experience in a management role?