Head Of Student Support Services

Lyceum College; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A distance learning institution is seeking a Head of Student Support Services to ensure student success within its academic management team. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate student support services, focusing on engagement, retention, and inclusive academic support across the student lifecycle. Required qualifications include a minimum NQF Level 6 qualification in Education and at least five years of relevant experience, preferably in distance learning contexts. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum NQF Level 6 qualification in Education or related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience in student support, affairs, or related higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in distance or blended learning contexts.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership for student support services.
• Overseeing student communications and service delivery.
• Monitoring student engagement and coordinating intervention strategies.
• Leading onboarding and orientation programs for new students.

Skills

Student lifecycle understanding

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Proficiency in digital platforms

Empathetic approach

Education

NQF Level 6 qualification in Education or related field

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Learning management systems

Student analytics

Job description

Lyceum College invites applications for the position of Head of Student Support Services, a senior academic leadership role within the Academic Management Team. This role is central to ensuring student success within Lyceum's distance learning model, with a strong focus on student engagement, retention, wellbeing, and inclusive academic support. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate comprehensive student support services across the student lifecycle, ensuring that no student is left behind. The role also champions Lyceum EDGE, the College's flagship digital academic support and literacy initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership for student support services across all academic cycles.
• Overseeing student communications, queries, escalations, and service delivery turnaround times.
• Monitoring student engagement, identifying at‑risk students, and coordinating early intervention strategies.
• Leading onboarding and orientation programmes for new students.
• Coordinating academic advising, wellness, and mental health support initiatives.
• Developing and implementing inclusive disability support frameworks in line with regulatory standards.
• Managing and delivering the Lyceum EDGE webinar and student success series.
• Providing oversight and mentorship to the Student Representative Council (SRC).
• Supporting Open Days, student engagement campaigns, and graduation‑related student services.
• Assisting with oversight of the Writing Centre in collaboration with academic leadership.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Minimum NQF Level 6 qualification in Education or a related field. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Experience: At least five years' experience in student support, student affairs, academic advising, or a related higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience in distance or blended learning contexts.
• Proven leadership experience managing programmes, initiatives, or teams.
• Working knowledge of regulatory expectations for student support and inclusivity.
• Skills and Competencies: Strong understanding of the student lifecycle in distance learning; excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills; proficiency in digital platforms, learning management systems, and student analytics; ability to design and deliver student‑facing campaigns, webinars, and support initiatives; empathetic, student‑centered, and solutions‑driven approach.
• Personal Attributes: Strong leadership and decisiveness; high levels of integrity and confidentiality; commitment to inclusivity, student wellbeing, and academic success; ability to perform effectively in high‑volume, deadline‑driven environments.