Director: IT Strategy, Governance and IT Projects

Durban University of Technology; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in South Africa seeks a Director of IT Strategy to provide strategic leadership in ICT governance, compliance, and project management. The role requires 8 years of ICT management experience and a Master’s Degree in a relevant field. Key responsibilities include overseeing ICT strategy and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks. This position offers a permanent contract with market-related salary and opportunities for impactful work in higher education.

Qualifications

• 8 years’ ICT management experience, with 3 years in governance or cybersecurity.
• Expertise in audit processes and compliance.
• Experience in digital transformation and change management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain enterprise architecture aligned with DUT ICT Strategy.
• Oversee ICT strategic and digital transformation projects.
• Manage budget planning and resource allocation.

Skills

ICT management experience

ICT governance

Leadership and people management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Education

Honours in Information Systems or related field

Master’s Degree in IT Governance or Business Administration

Job description

Director: IT Strategy, Governance and IT Projects

Reference Number - 30000214

Purpose of the Job

To provide strategic leadership in ICT strategy, governance, risk, compliance, cybersecurity, and project management, ensuring ICT services at DUT are secure, efficient, compliant, and aligned with the institution’s Strategic Map 2030 and governance frameworks. Accountable for the management, monitoring and reporting on the systems and processes that support governance, risk, security and continuity within ICT.

Qualifications

• Honours (NQF 8) in Information Systems, Computer Science, IT Governance, or related field.
• Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in IT Governance, Information Security, or Business Administration, with certifications in project management and cybersecurity (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, CISM, CISSP, CGEIT).

Minimum Experience Required

• 8 years’ ICT management experience, with at least 3 years in ICT governance, projects, or cybersecurity 5 years spent on the job
• 10–12 years in ICT strategy, governance, and risk management in higher education or large corporate sector, with proven project leadership.
• Knowledge of ICT governance, risk, and compliance frameworks (COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001).
• Project management and portfolio management expertise.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and controls.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Financial management and resource allocation ability.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and reporting skills.

Ideal

• Expertise in audit processes, POPIA/GDPR compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in digital transformation and change management.
• Strong networks in higher education ICT governance and cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of innovation in ICT to support teaching, research, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain enterprise architecture in alignment with DUT ICT Strategy. Lead ICT governance, risk management, and compliance in line with King IV, COBIT, and ITIL frameworks.
• Oversee the portfolio of ICT strategic and digital transformation projects, ensuring delivery within scope, budget, and time.
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of DUT’s cybersecurity and information security frameworks.
• Manage ICT risk registers, internal controls, and ensure compliance with POPIA, DHET directives, and other relevant legislation.
• Oversee budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation within ICT.
• Drive stakeholder engagement across academic and administrative units to ensure ICT initiatives support institutional priorities.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building within ICT governance, project management, and cybersecurity teams.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours during ICT incidents or project deadlines.
• Availability to respond to urgent ICT risk, cybersecurity, or audit matters.
• Commitment to DUT’s transformation and digitalisation agenda.

Salary: Market related

Status of Position: Permanent

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form (available at Careers@DUT)
• A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.