IT Change Manager - Higher Education Change Leader (11 Months)

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellenbosch University’s Information Technology Division seeks an IT Change Manager to drive adoption of new processes and initiatives on an eleven‑month fixed‑term contract at the Stellenbosch Campus.

The role requires applying structured methodologies, engaging stakeholders, and shaping communication, training, and governance plans to ensure successful change across IT projects and university initiatives.

Qualifications

• At least an NQF Level 6 qualification in the relevant field.
• Change Management certification.
• At least three years' experience of change management (using ADKAR, Kotter's 8-step model, Lewin or similar change management methodologies) in IT projects in higher education institutions.
• Expertise in change management principles, methodologies, and tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities with active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and guide diverse audiences toward common goals.
• Experience of working in an IT environment or driving change management of IT-relevant projects.
• Familiarity with project management tools (JIRA, SmartSheets, MS Project or similar).
• Strong skills in workshop facilitation, user training and executive briefings.
• Familiarity with project management frameworks and the phases of the project lifecycle.
• Experience managing large-scale organisational change.
• Resilient and adaptable with a forward-looking, strategic mindset.
• Highly organised with a focus on planning and execution.
• Proven ability to collaborate at all levels of an organisation.
• Excellent problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• The ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Utilising established change management frameworks, methodologies, and tools to develop tailored strategies that facilitate the smooth adoption of changes.
• Designing, implementing, and managing key communication plans, ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged via appropriate channels.
• Conducting detailed analyses to evaluate the impact of change, assessing the readiness of the institution, and identifying key stakeholders.
• Collaborating in the design and delivery of training initiatives, ensuring alignment with project objectives, operational and institutional needs.
• Performing comprehensive change management assessments.
• Identifying and developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Addressing anticipated and persistent resistance with targeted interventions.
• Providing guidance and coaching to diverse teams.
• Developing and delivering core plans, including Sponsor Plans, People Manager Plans, Communication Plans, and Training Plans.
• Implementing supplementary plans as required, such as Resistance Management Plans.
• Engaging and supporting senior leaders and coaching line managers.
• Collaborating on organisational design and clarifying roles and responsibilities.
• Ensuring seamless integration of IT change management activities into broader project plans.
• Evaluating user readiness and monitoring change progress.
• Establishing metrics to define and measure success and tracking overall change adoption.
• Providing IT change management support at institutional level, managing the IT change management portfolio.
• Supporting governance by aligning change initiatives with University policies and strategic goals.

Skills

ADKAR model

Kotter's 8-step model

Lewin change management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Influencing diverse audiences

IT change management

Workshop facilitation

Project lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

NQF Level 6 qualification in relevant field

Tools

JIRA

SmartSheets

MS Project

Job description

Stellenbosch University’s Information Technology Division seeks an IT Change Manager to drive adoption of new processes and initiatives on an eleven‑month fixed‑term contract at the Stellenbosch Campus.

The role requires applying structured methodologies, engaging stakeholders, and shaping communication, training, and governance plans to ensure successful change across IT projects and university initiatives.