Head of Student Affairs (University)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading university in Randburg, seeks a Head of Student Affairs to drive the strategy and operations of all student services. The role requires strong leadership to enhance the student experience and campus life within a hybrid work model balancing on-site leadership with remote administrative work.

The successful candidate will oversee student life, wellbeing, housing, career and counseling services, ensuring policy implementation, budget stewardship, and a

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in student affairs
• Strong budgeting and financial oversight abilities
• Knowledge of higher education trends and governance
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Experience working with diverse student populations

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for Student Affairs including student life, counseling, career services, housing, health services and conduct
• Develop and evaluate policies and programs to support student success and well-being
• Manage the division budget and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Supervise and develop a team of student affairs professionals
• Foster an inclusive campus environment and collaborate with academic and external stakeholders
• Oversee crisis management and student conduct processes
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and university policies
• Lead initiatives to improve student engagement, retention, and graduation rates
• Advocate for student needs within university governance

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration

Doctorate preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading comprehensive university in **Randburg**, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Student Affairs. This is a hybrid role, requiring on-site presence for key leadership responsibilities and collaborative engagement, while allowing for remote work flexibility for certain administrative and strategic tasks. The Head of Student Affairs is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of all student services and support functions, aiming to enhance the student experience and foster a vibrant campus community. This senior leadership position is critical to student success and institutional well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the division of Student Affairs, encompassing areas such as student life, counseling services, career services, housing, health services, and student conduct.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and programs that support student success, well-being, and holistic development.
• Manage the budget for the Student Affairs division, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fiscal responsibility.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of dedicated student affairs professionals.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive campus environment that respects diversity and promotes equity.
• Collaborate effectively with academic departments, faculty, administration, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee crisis management and response protocols for student-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Lead initiatives to enhance student engagement, retention, and graduation rates.
• Serve as a key advocate for student needs and concerns within the university governance structure.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel Services, Psychology, or a related field. A Doctorate is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in student affairs leadership roles within a university setting.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program development, budgeting, and personnel management.
• In-depth knowledge of current trends, issues, and best practices in higher education student affairs.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and university constituents.
• Experience in crisis management and student conduct processes.
• Must be able to fulfill **hybrid** working requirements, including significant **on-site** presence at the university in **Randburg**, Gauteng.
• Commitment to fostering student development and creating a positive learning environment.
• Strong understanding of university governance and administrative structures.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the student experience at a prominent university.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
• Significant impact on student success and institutional culture.
• Access to university resources and professional networks.