Senior Director: Student Affairs

Stellenbosch University

Student Affairs

Senior Director

(Ref: SS/052/0219)

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research-intensive university where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world, while enriching and transforming local, continental and global communities.

Stellenbosch University’s strategic positioning for the 21st century, as articulated in the Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024 (see: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/about-us/strategic-documents), is anchored in providing a transformative student experience,  promoting networked and collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks, be the employer of choice and cultivate a thriving university.

The primary goal of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA), which reports to the Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching), is to create an inclusive, supportive and welcoming culture at SU which aims to equip students with graduate attributes aligned to the SU vision. Student Affairs is engaged in this process via broad spectrum of co-curricular activities in the listening, learning and living communities. The management processes of Student Affairs are values-driven, evidence-based and aligned to national and international best practice.

The DSA consists of the following subdivisions: the Centre for Student Communities (CSC) (which includes the housing component), the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), and the Centre for Student Leadership and Structures (CSLS), which includes the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Leadership Development.

Duties:

• Overall management and guidance regarding the strategic direction and coordination of all the activities of the Division of Student Affairs
• supplying and facilitating thought leadership – especially outside the classroom context (or co-curriculum)
• engage with relevant research on student affairs and put it into practice
• guidance in psychosocial support and development, mentor and tutor support, residential training (including leadership and multicultural training), academic counselling, psychotherapy, supporting students with special learning needs (disabilities) and career development 
• development of new policies and regulations applicable to students
• promoting student success and the optimal development of graduate qualities
• maintaining close cooperation with faculties and other support services divisions in support of the general success and well-being of students
• responsible for the financial and personnel management of the Division (including performance management and personnel development)
• supporting the Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching) regarding matters affecting student achievement and well-being 
• representing the University at relevant external forums 
• initiating and applying relevant research to maintain cutting edge service delivery.

Requirements:

• A master's degree
• at least five years of senior management experience in an environment of higher learning
• at least five years of experience in and extensive knowledge of student affairs or a similar environment in the higher education field centred around student affairs
• evidence of national and/or international outputs in respect of student development as theme for own research and professional development
• proven experience of administration (including financial administration) and personnel management
• excellent verbal and written fluency in at least English
• proven ability to function effectively within a multilingual and multicultural environment
• sound interpersonal relations and the ability to provide guidance within a team
• proven track record of problem solving and innovation
• excellent ability to conceptualise.

As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates could be expected to perform an assessment test, including a short presentation, based on the requirements as set out in the advertisement.

Recommendations: A doctorate degree — proficiency in one or more of the additional official South African languages — involvement with student affairs associations or subject groups.

Commencement of duties: 1 July 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 29 March 2019

Enquiries regarding this post and a comprehensive job description: Prof. Arnold Schoonwinkel on 021 808 4909

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits: Ms Kristin Rutgers on 021 808 4906

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to adsmanager@sun.ac.za before the closing date.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
• Your vision for DSA at SU and your contribution to this vision in the context of the University's Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024;
• Written examples of your own research outputs and management documentation produced by yourself;
• Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship;
• An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed;
• Certified copies of certificates;
• Details of at least three referees.

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of staff, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

At the discretion of the Selection Committee, candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments, and should therefore be willing to oblige.

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

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.