Registrar's Position

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 2 337 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is searching for a Registrar to serve on the Executive Leadership Team, overseeing governance and legal matters while providing strategic direction. The applicant should have a Doctorate and at least 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, particularly within complex organizations. This pivotal role involves advising the Council and Senate, managing transformations, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The position offers a competitive salary and a permanent contract with a potential for fixed-term appointments.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in complex organizations with executive leadership.
• Strong understanding of academic and student issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance structures and provide academic administration leadership.
• Serve as Secretary to Council and Senate.
• Champion transformation at institutional level.

Skills

Understanding of higher education challenges

Leadership experience at executive level

Knowledge of higher education legislation

Demonstrable legal insight

Understanding of academic administrative processes

Resource management

Education

Doctorate (Master's may be considered)

Job description

Registrar’s Position (Grade 22)

Registrar’s Division

The Registrar serves as a member of the University’s Executive Leadership Team, working closely with the Vice‑Chancellor, Council, and Senate to advance the institution’s strategic direction. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the University’s governance structures operate effectively and for providing leadership in academic administration, institutional records management, and compliance‑related functions. As the legal persona of the University, the Registrar is accountable for all legal matters affecting the institution. This includes providing interpretation of, and ensuring compliance with, relevant national legislation, the University Statute, Institutional Rules and University policies. The incumbent is a Deputy Information Officer.

The Registrar serves as Secretary to the Council, Senate, and Convocation. In this capacity, the incumbent provides advice to these bodies in the discharge of their policymaking and governance responsibilities. He/she is also responsible for providing comprehensive secretarial support and services to these governance bodies and their respective committees. This includes overseeing the preparation of agendas and minutes, ensuring the accurate documentation of decisions, and supporting the effective functioning of the University’s governance framework.

The Job Requirements

A Doctorate (a Master’s Degree may be considered under exceptional circumstances) plus at least 10 years relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• A sophisticated understanding of the social, political, and economic challenges in the Higher Education (HE) environment and knowledge and expertise that enjoys the respect of academic colleagues.
• At least five years of experience operating in a complex organisation with evidence of providing leadership in such settings at an executive/senior level.
• Active participation in key decision‑making fora.
• Championing and managing transformation, preferably at the organisational/institutional level.
• Track record of establishing structures, systems and/or processes to support activities of the institution at the departmental, Faculty or institutional level.
• In‑depth knowledge about higher education legislation and the associated regulatory processes, requirements and trends in the higher education sector.
• Demonstrable legal insight and understanding.
• A demonstrable understanding of the academic administrative processes.
• Management of resources at either the departmental, Faculty or institutional level.
• Exposure to academic and student matters, in particular the challenges facing HE institutions today.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The Following Documents Are Required

• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.
• A comprehensive CV which should include the following:
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• All relevant certificates.
• A copy of your job profile/description that most closely aligns with the experience Rhodes University requires.

Please note that handwritten applications will not be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all the required documentation and respond to all questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries can be addressed to Ms Ntosh Gongqa at [e-mail] or 046 603 8616.

The interviews are scheduled for February 27, 2026.

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade 22)

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R2 336 337

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed‑term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with filling the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 19th of January 2026

If you are not contacted within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is essential in achieving excellence, Rhodes University strongly encourages all suitably qualified candidates to apply for this position.

Please note that all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended by the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022, and the University’s Recruitment and Selection policies.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision‑making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.