Manager : Student Governance (Ad.07.4)

Wits University; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Johannesburg seeks an experienced professional for the role of operational leader in the Student Governance Office. This position entails providing strategic direction, overseeing elections, and developing student leadership programs. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience in student affairs and governance, along with strong management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years relevant experience in a student affairs and/or student development role.
• Demonstrated management skills including strategic management, people management, and financial management.
• Knowledge of higher education sector and experience in student governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to the Student Governance Office.
• Ensure credibility and transparency in student elections.
• Develop and facilitate student leadership programs.

Skills

Strategic management

People management

Financial management

Project management

Communication skills

Negotiation

Conflict management

Emotional intelligence

Resilience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

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.
• Design and deliver comprehensive student leadership induction programmes for the SRC, clubs, societies and organizations, school and faculty councils, the postgraduate association, and the student forum.
• 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.
• 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 135 Clubs and Societies, 35 School Councils, and 5 Faculty Councils, ensuring sound financial control and accountability.
• 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 processes in accordance 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

The university seeks to attract applications from individuals who meet the following requirements :

• A bachelor’s degree (postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage)
• A minimum of 6 years relevant experience in a student affairs and / or student development role.
• 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, emotional intelligence, and resilience.