Director : Study Abroad (P5) (Division for Global Engagement)

University of Johannesburg; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent higher education institution in Johannesburg is seeking a Director for the Study Abroad Programme. The ideal candidate will lead all aspects of the program, manage student wellbeing, and establish international partnerships. Strong leadership and organizational skills, along with at least 5 years of experience in international education, are essential. The role offers opportunities for travel and collaboration across various departments.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years experience in international higher education or related fields.
• Strong understanding of immigration policies relevant to South African higher education.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of the Study Abroad Programme.
• Manage housing, safety, and wellbeing of international students.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner universities and agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Intercultural communication

Public relations skills

Networking abilities

Education

Postgraduate qualification in International Relations or related field

Tools

MS Office including Excel

Job description

Overview

Job title: Director : Study Abroad (P5) (Division for Global Engagement)

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: October 23, 2025

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of the Study Abroad Programme, including student selection, application processing, registration, and orientation.
• Manage housing, safety, and wellbeing of international students in partnership with internal departments and external landlords.
• Maintain and update programme materials and promotional content, including the UJ Study Abroad website.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international partner universities, embassies, consulates, and government agencies (e.g., Department of Home Affairs).
• Develop and implement new international partnerships, short-term programmes (summer / winter schools), and customised faculty-led study abroad initiatives, including new innovative exchange programmes promoting entrepreneurship.
• Maintain relationships with the Consulates and Embassies of partner countries to ensure adequate predeparture briefing of inbound students; attend briefings regularly.
• Establish and maintain contact with the international offices and administration offices of partners.
• Provide strategic immigration support for international students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and UJ employees.
• Monitor international trends, benchmarks, and policy development to ensure UJ’s programme remains competitive and aligned with global standards.
• Oversee financial management, grant writing, budgeting, and resource allocation within the Study Abroad Office.
• Collaborate with faculties and internal stakeholders to enhance interdisciplinary international education opportunities.
• Represent UJ locally and internationally at events, conferences, and on advisory boards.
• Lead a team by providing staff training, development, performance management, and workflow optimisation.
• Serve as acting Senior Director : Global Engagement when required, including delegated authority responsibilities.

Minimum requirements

• A Postgraduate qualification (NQF 9) in International Relations, Education, Communication or other relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience of a minimum of 5 years in international higher education, student mobility, or global programme administration.
• A strong understanding of immigration policies and procedures relevant to South African higher education.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, communication and intercultural communication skills.
• Sound knowledge of new technology and the ability to integrate new technology in order to streamline processes and reporting mechanisms internally and externally.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes

• Proven ability to work effectively and in a collegial manner with university staff and faculties.
• Proven fundraising skills for partnership programmes.
• Proven report writing and presentation skills.
• Proven extensive management skills.
• Excellent leadership skills for dealing with own staff and advising senior academics.
• Proven ability to provide academic leadership in the development of curricula.
• Above average computer skills (MS Office including Excel).
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills with competency in public relations and negotiation.
• Ability to conduct research in this area of work and convey results effectively to the University management.
• Ability to coordinate among many university departments.
• Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to network and build relationships.

Recommendations

• A PhD in relevant field.
• Prior experience from a Study Abroad portfolio at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• Ability to communicate and drive marketing and brand activities.
• An additional language other than a South African official language.
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