Director : Sport at Walter Sisulu University

Walter Sisulu University Foundation; East London; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in East London is seeking a Sport Department Director to lead the strategic development of its sports programs. The successful candidate will have an honours degree in Sports Management and significant experience in sports management at a senior level. Responsibilities include managing sports programs, student engagement, and compliance with governance. Applicants must submit relevant documents by 26 September 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years relevant experience in sports management.
• At least 5 years at a senior management/leadership level.
• Experience in the higher education sector or comparable complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic sports leadership and development.
• Manage sports programs and ensure wellness of students.
• Ensure governance compliance and risk management.
• Oversee financial management and resource mobilization.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Conflict Management

Teamwork

Adaptability

Leadership

Ability to work under pressure

Commitment to excellence

Emotional intelligence

Interpersonal skills

Analytical ability

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Programme development

Project Management

Sport industry knowledge

Education

Honours degree in Sports Management or related field

Master's degree in Sports Management or Business Administration

Job description

Overview

Introduction

Applications are hereby invited for the following position based at the Institutional Office

Position

SPORT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR: SPORT - PEROMNES 5 – 5-YEAR CONTRACT REFERENCE NO: WSU INST 2025/08

Key Performance Areas

• Strategic Sports Leadership & Development
• Sports Programme Management
• Student Development, Wellness and Engagement
• Governance Compliance and Risk Management
• Infrastructure, Facilities, and Resource Management
• Financial Management and Resource Mobilisation
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
• Human Capital Management
• Marketing, Branding, and Institutional Reputation
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Skills And Competencies Required

• Effective communication, Problem solving & Conflict Management
• Teamwork, Adaptability, Leadership & Ability to work under pressure
• Commitment to excellence
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Decision-making skills and ability, Emotional intelligence & Interpersonal skills
• Analytical ability & Strategic planning, Stakeholder engagement and management
• Programme development, Project Management & Sport industry knowledge

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Honours degree in Sports Management, Human Movement Science, Physical Education, Recreation, or related field.
• Master\'s degree in Sports Management, Sports Science, Education, or Business Administration (advantageous for a P5 senior role) is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years relevant experience in sports management, with at least 5 years at a senior management/leadership level.
• Experience in the higher education sector or a comparable complex environment.

NB: The following documents must be submitted in ONE PDF attachment when applying:

• WSU Application form (can be downloaded on the WSU website)
• CV
• Certified copies of qualifications
• ID

Closing Date: 26 September 2025

Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.

“WSU is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply”

Desired Skills

• Effective communication
• Problem solving
• Conflict Management