Director of Student Life and Governance

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Bloemfontein is seeking a Director: Student Life and Governance to provide strategic leadership and oversee the development of student governance frameworks. The role requires a master’s degree, at least 8 years of relevant experience, and strong skills in leadership, governance, and stakeholder engagement. The position offers an opportunity to enhance the student experience and lead various initiatives, ensuring compliance and ethical standards across the campus environment.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Housing allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant management experience in higher education or related environments.
• 5 years of experience at middle management level.
• Experience in oversight of student governance and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for Student Life and Student Governance.
• Oversee governance compliance and student leadership structures.
• Lead the development of frameworks, policies, and standards.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Governance and Compliance

Operational Leadership

Student Leadership Development

Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication Skills

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Director: Student Life and Governance

The Director: Student Life and Governance provides strategic, operational, and governance leadership to the integrated Student Life and Student Governance Portfolio, ensuring the holistic development, engagement, and success of students. The role strengthens institutional governance, student leadership development, co‑cultural programming, and campus culture, while assisting the Executive Director: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture with the execution of strategic responsibilities across the portfolio.

This position plays a pivotal role in advancing UFS Vision 130 goals by creating an enabling student environment, fostering ethical governance, and developing a cohesive, supportive, and transformative student experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for Student Life and Student Governance, ensuring strong alignment with Vision 130 and the integrated Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture portfolio.
• Assist the Executive Director in conceptualising, implementing, and monitoring strategic initiatives across Student Affairs.
• Strengthen the student experience, campus life, and governance stability through strategic programmes, systems, and partnerships.
• Lead the development and implementation of student life and student governance frameworks, policies, and standards.

Governance and Compliance

• Oversee Student Governance, including SRC governance, student leadership structures, student constitutions, and electoral processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, UFS Statute, governance protocols, and institutional policy frameworks.
• Strengthen governance systems to support ethical leadership, accountability, and transparent decision‑making.
• Partner with Legal Services to ensure adherence to rules, governance instruments, and disciplinary codes.

Operational Leadership of Student Life and Governance Units

• Oversee and provide strategic direction to units: Career Services, Student Leadership Development, Food Environment Programme, KovsieACT (Co‑curricular Student Development), Student Research & Development Office, Student Governance.
• Ensure integration, collaboration, and synergy among all units for a coherent student development and engagement model.

Student Leadership Development

• Lead comprehensive student leadership development programmes fostering ethical leadership, governance capability, and personal growth.
• Provide mentorship and advisory support to student structures.
• Coordinate leadership pipeline development for emerging student leaders.

Student Engagement and Co‑Curricular Development

• Drive high‑impact co‑curricular programmes, events, and activities to enhance the student engagement ecosystem.
• Strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to broaden student learning pathways.
• Oversee and ensure quality of KovsieACT offerings, experiential learning, and graduate attribute development.

Risk, Crisis and Stability Management

• Provide leadership during student‑related crises, unrest, or governance instability.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and relevant units to ensure early identification of emerging risks and effective mitigation.
• Contribute to policy and procedure refinement to ensure institution‑wide stability and student well‑being.

Institutional Advisory and Representation

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Executive Director on all student life and governance matters.
• Represent the division on relevant university committees, task teams, and governance structures.
• Provide regular reporting, analytics, and trend insights to inform executive decision‑making.

People and Resource Management

• Lead, manage, and develop staff across the integrated portfolio.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation, performance management, and staff professional development.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management for Student Life and Governance.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Higher Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Organisational Leadership, Law, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant progressive management experience with 5 years at middle management level in higher education, governance, student affairs, or related environments.
• Demonstrated experience across all or most of the following areas: Oversight of student governance, Leadership development, Management of all units within this portfolio, Strategic planning and execution, Policy development and compliance.

Results Oriented

• Set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
• Adapt to frequently changing environments.
• Maintain composure and self‑control in high‑stress situations.

Strategic Thinking

• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Change leadership.
• Governance and compliance expertise.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building.

Business Acumen

• Programme management.
• Crisis and risk management.
• Policy development.
• Conflict resolution.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading

• Maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Take charge of situations and offer direction to others.
• Cooperate with others, display a good‑natured attitude, and encourage teamwork.

Building Coalitions

• High emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Interact with others and establish personal connections.

Application Instructions

• Submit applications online via the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
• The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Merge documents into fewer files to avoid upload issues.
• Include all documents listed under inherent requirements and the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).
• A copy of identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment (letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from current or most recent employer – external applicants only).

Closing date

13 February 2026

Salary

Available on request.

Fringe Benefits

Pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefit(s) (subject to specific conditions).

Enquiries

[e-mail] or 051 401 9329. For assistance also 051 401 9848.

Employment Equity

The UFS is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity, and redress. Preference will be given to candidates from under‑represented groups, including candidates with disabilities.

Privacy

The UFS processes personal information in line with POPIA. Information provided will be treated as confidential.

Selection Process

UFS will consider only candidates who meet all inherent requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will receive communication. If no contact within six weeks of the closing date, assume an unsuccessful application.

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