Director: Residential Services

UWC; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape invites applications for the role of Director: Residential Services. Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Student Development and Support, this post leads all residence-related functions across the university and drives strategies for student housing, wellbeing, and compliance.

You will oversee budgets, facilities, risk management, and stakeholder partnerships with students, staff, and external providers, ensuring a safe, inclusive living-learning

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years’ managerial experience in student residential accommodation, residence administration, or a related environment.
• Experience in higher education or a multi-campus environment.
• Knowledge of South African legislation governing student housing, health, and safety.
• Additional training or certification in property, facilities, or project management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all residence-related functions across the University.
• Implement the integrated talent management framework, including performance development and culture within the department.
• Oversee allocation, occupancy, and maintenance of student residences.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Promote a supportive and inclusive residential environment that facilitates academic and personal growth.
• Partner with Infrastructure Development and other stakeholders on renovations, upgrades, and new residence projects.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the departmental budget and ensure cost-effectiveness in residence operations.
• Identify and pursue revenue-generating opportunities.
• Strengthen partnerships with students, parents, internal departments, and external service providers.

Job description

Share this job as a link in your status update to LinkedIn.

Title of Position

Director: Residential Services

Post Number

4089

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development & Support -> Residential Services

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Closing Date

23/10/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Development and Support (SDS), Residential Services plays a pivotal role in creating a holistic and enabling environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Residential Services is committed to fostering a value-driven, student-centred culture that enhances the living-learning experience for all residents. The department oversees the strategic and operational management of three key sections, namely, Student Housing, Administration & Placement, and Reslife.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Student Development and Support, the Director: Residential Services will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all residence-related functions across the University. The successful candidate will be expected to implement the integrated talent management framework, including the performance development processes, and the responsibilities listed below:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive residence management and student accommodation strategy aligned with UWC’s mission and strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain policies, standards, and systems for effective residence management.
• Drive programmes that enhance student satisfaction, retention, and overall success.
• Implementthe integrated talent management framework, including performance development and culture within the department.

2. Residence and Operational Management

• Oversee the allocation, occupancy, and maintenance of student residences.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage residence applications, fee collection, and student accommodation records efficiently.

3. Student Development and Support

• Promote a supportive and inclusive residential environment that facilitates academic and personal growth.
• Collaborate with student support services to deliver residence life programmes and wellness initiatives.
• Uphold a fair and consistent residence code of conduct and disciplinary framework.

4. Infrastructure and Facilities Management

• Partner with Infrastructure Development and other stakeholders on renovations, upgrades, and new residence projects.
• Facilitatepreventative maintenance programmes and utilities management to ensure operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the departmental budget.
• Ensure sound financial management, accountability, and cost-effectiveness in residence operations.
• Identify and pursue revenue-generating opportunities.

6. Risk Management and Compliance

• Implement risk mitigation strategies, including safety, emergency preparedness, and facility integrity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen partnerships with students, parents, internal departments, and external service providers.
• Engage with private accommodation providers to expand student housing opportunities.
• Represent the University and department on relevant committees and forums.
  
• A minimum of 10years’ experience at a managerial level in student residential accommodation, residence administration, or arelated environment.
• Experience in higher education or a multi-campus environment.
• Knowledge of South African legislation governing student housing, health, and safety.
• Additional training or certification in property, facilities, or project management.
• Strategic Leadership.
• Digital Acumen
• Student-Centred Approach
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Communication
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Change facilitation