Leadership Programme Coordinator

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent South African university is seeking a Leadership Programme Coordinator to enhance student leadership and success across its campus. The role involves designing and facilitating leadership programs, conducting research, and managing multiple projects related to student engagement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in curriculum design, project management, and supervision of student assistants. This role is essential to support the university's vision for transformative student experiences.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in curriculum design and development.
• Experience supervising student assistants.
• Knowledge of youth and student issues in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies to enhance student leadership engagement.
• Coordinate content development for leadership projects.
• Manage online learning content and assessments.

Skills

Curriculum design

Project management

Research

Student engagement

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

NQF level 8 qualification in Education or Social Sciences

NQF level 9 degree preferred

Tools

Learning management systems

Job description

Overview

Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) / Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (FVZS Institute) – Leadership Programme Coordinator (Post Level 8) – Stellenbosch Campus. Ref. SSLL/022/0226.

Candidates who have previously applied for this position are invited to reapply. The role supports the Dean of Students by providing holistic student development and leadership engagement across the University, in alignment with Stellenbosch University's vision for a transformative student experience.

The Leadership Programme Coordinator focuses on developing leadership programmes within student communities (clusters, residences, prims, house committees, etc.) and is part of the core FVZS Institute team within CSLL. The role reports to the DD (Leadership)/Head: FVZS Institute. The five dimensions of the role are: curriculum design, facilitation of leadership programmes, research, project management, and relationship building within the institution and the broader higher education sector.

Duties / Pligte

• Portfolio Strategy
  • Implement a strategy to increase student leadership engagement in support of student success, with guidance from the DD (leadership)/Head: FVZS Institute.
  • Provide strategic input on factors impacting student engagement and student success.
  • Conceptualise, adapt and implement relevant ad hoc programming based on emerging needs related to current national student leadership trends.
• Project Management
  • Identify internal collaboration within the broader SU and other higher education partners on key student leadership projects.
  • Coordinate content development sessions for key projects with relevant RC teams and CSLL units (Experiential Learning, Student Governance, Student Communities, Commuter Student Communities). Includes Short Courses, Masterclasses and tailored student leadership offerings.
  • Draw up project plans to ensure timely delivery of multiple projects.
  • Serve as Project Lead for MatiesLead, the CSLL's largest integrated 3-phase blended learning leadership programme for aspiring and newly elected leaders.
• Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)
  • Brief SMEs to conceptualise programme content (learning objectives, outcomes and competencies).
  • Finalise assessments with SMEs to confirm learning outcomes.
  • Ensure SMEs are registered to access the learning management system as needed.
• Learner Management System
  • Coordinate online content development for specific student leadership programmes in collaboration with national and international SMEs.
  • Liaise with the Learning Designer to load content and resources onto the online platform.
  • Ensure online engagement takes place and monitor assessment processes and timelines in accordance with the co-curriculum recognition process.
  • Moderate and facilitate live online sessions.
  • Coordinate content development for MatiesLead self-paced online learning sessions with the Learning Designer.
• Research and Data
  • Contribute to the institution's Multi-institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) research project as part of the core team.
  • Conduct ongoing research on themes related to the leadership programme offering with CSLL support.
  • Design and manage feedback surveys; data management of leadership outputs.
  • Coordinate focus groups to conceptualise new offerings and provide feedback on current programmes.
  • Analyse data to identify trends to inform programme design.
• Report Writing
  • Produce portfolio reports on progress of current projects.
  • In collaboration with the Head: FVZS Institute, prepare proposals for funding as required.
• Student Assistant Supervision
  • Facilitate peer-mentor training sessions as required.
  • Supervise student assistants.
• Finance Management
  • With guidance from the line manager, prepare an annual budget and manage expenses with the CSLL Finance Officer according to the allocated budget.
• Transcript Recognition
  • With the CSLL Unit for Experiential Learning, prepare documentation for co-curriculum recognition processes for all leadership programmes, including monitoring and evaluation.

Job Requirements / Pos Vereistes

• NQF level 8 qualification, preferably within Education or Social Sciences.
• At least three years of experience and knowledge in curriculum design and development (portfolio of evidence), preferably within Student Affairs in the higher education context.
• Relevant experience in a similar role within the higher education sector.
• Experience supervising student assistants and delegating multiple tasks.
• Knowledge and understanding of the South African Constitution and issues facing youth and student leaders in higher education.
• Experience in project planning and execution related to issues of society and citizenship (e.g., gender-based violence, multilingualism, gender, LGBQTAIP+, inequality, racism, ableism, politics, democracy, social justice).
• Experience in student and staff engagement in delivering leadership experiential learning opportunities.
• Experience in research and tracking programme impact.
• Experience in facilitation and critical engagement within a student experiential learning environment.
• Experience in online learning management systems and online programme development.
• Excellent work ethic: ability to work independently and with various teams.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours (after-hours and weekends as required).

Recommendation / Aanbeveling

• NQF level 9 degree, preferably within Education or Social Sciences.
• Research interest in student leadership and citizen-leadership.
• Record of active participation in student leadership initiatives in higher education.
• Portfolio of relevant programming (online and blended) where student engagement was part of a recognised experiential learning programme.

How To Apply / Hoe Om Aansoek Te Doen

The University is committed to employment equity (EE). Appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan. Only South African citizens from designated groups will be considered for appointment.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Your application, including a comprehensive curriculum vitae (with names and email addresses of at least three references), must reach the University before or on the closing date advertised. Apply online by clicking "Apply now" at the top right of the page for the specific vacancy.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires medical screening for occupations with potential hazards to determine fitness to work.

If you have received no feedback within four to six weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Enquiries / Navrae

Enquiries about this post: Dr Heidi October, Deputy Director (Leadership): CSLL/Head: FVZS Institute, on 021 808 4253.

Enquiries about remuneration and electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre, on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) or 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg).

Other

Commencement Date: 01-May-2026

Closing Date: 12-Feb-2026

Work At Home / Travel: As applicable