Manager: Student Governance

findojobs-za; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Manager: Student Governance in Johannesburg. This role involves providing operational leadership to the Student Governance Office, overseeing student elections, and developing student leadership initiatives. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree and six years of relevant experience, with three in management. This position offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of student governance and improve student leadership development. Applicants will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with universities' policies and support for student leaders.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years' experience in student affairs and/or development.
• At least three years at a managerial level.
• Experience in drafting policies and constitutional amendments.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level operational leadership for the Student Governance Office.
• Oversee elections of various student leadership bodies.
• Develop capacity-building programs for student leaders.

Skills

Strategic management

People management

Financial management

Project management

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Manager: Student Governance findojobs-za•Johannesburg, Gauteng

Position

Manager: Student Governance (AD.07.4)

Brief Description

Some of the duties of the incumbent will include:

• Provide high-level operational leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Student Governance Office (SGO) in alignment with Wits University's strategic goals.
• Create and sustain an enabling environment for student leaders and staff to perform their daily functions in accordance with the values of the Division of Student Affairs and the University.
• Define, implement, and communicate the unit's strategic approach to student life, student governance, and student leadership development.
• Oversee the elections of the Student Representative Council (SRC), 35 School Councils, 5 Faculty Councils, the Postgraduate Association, the Student Forum, and other student leadership structures as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO); establish and manage systems and structures to ensure seamless, credible, and transparent elections.
• Lead the design and implementation, in partnership with the SRC, of capacity building programmes and initiatives for the student leaders in close collaboration with the Development and Leadership Uni, and other relevant departments.
• Develop and facilitate capacity-building and strategic planning programmes for the SRC, clubs, societies and organizations, school and faculty councils, the postgraduate association, and the student forum.
• Enable the effective participation of the SRC and its substructures in university governance structures like Council, Senate, Forum and its various committees and sub-committees.
• Ensure student governance compliance with the provisions of the SRC constitution, and university policies, rules as well as relevant legislation and assist the SRC in developing its own policies in line with its mandate.
• Identify and analyse key challenges faced by student leaders, working collaboratively with the Deputy Dean and Dean of Student Affairs, and other relevant officials, to recommend and implement appropriate interventions.
• Ensure timely and adequate administrative and resource support to all student leadership structures.
• Assume overall accountability for the budget allocated to the SGO and ensure prudent financial management in compliance with institutional policies.
• Oversee and monitor the SRC budget, ensuring adherence to the University's financial rules and procedures.
• Manage and verify the budgets of Clubs and Societies, 35 School Councils, and 5 Faculty Councils, ensuring sound financial control and accountability.
• Provide comprehensive administrative, logistical and project management support to the SRC and its substructures.
• Continuously review and enhance processes and systems to strengthen implementation, monitoring, and financial control mechanisms.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with key internal stakeholders, including the Legal Office, Heads of Schools, Faculty Registrars, the University Registrar, and other relevant offices to advance institutional objectives.
• Lead the review and updating of student governance policies, including the SRC Constitution, SRC Standing Orders, Electoral rules and related frameworks governing student structures.
• Promote and uphold principles of good governance within the office and across all student structures.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to staff within the SGO, fostering a supportive and developmental work environment.
• Facilitate the implementation of staff performance management with institutional policies and guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with Managers of other units in CSD to give effect to Student Affairs' strategic imperatives and values.

Essential Requirements

• A bachelor's degree (Postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage)
• A minimum of six years' relevant experience in student affairs and/or student development, of which at least three years must have been at a managerial level
• Demonstrated management skills, including strategic management, people management, financial and project management, communication, and reporting writing.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector, specifically in the role of student governance and leadership in university governance, and experience in developing capacity and leadership development initiatives.
• Experience in analysing and interpreting legislation and in drafting policies and/or constitutional amendments.
• Excellent negotiation, conflict management and emotional intelligence and resilience.

Queries may be directed to .

Closing date: 19 January ****

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