Deputy Director: Student Support - Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Purpose

The incumbent is a member of the Residences and Accommodation management team that provides strategic and operational advice and support to the Director. The incumbent will ensure, through continuous strategic management, the effective overall functioning of the Student Support Division. Operationally, he/she will manage the effective functioning of the following sub-divisions: Residence Information and Technology Systems, Placement Management and Guest Accommodation, Residence Management and Student Life, Residence Operations, and Student Support and Leadership Development.

Responsibilities 

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Strategic management of Student Support Divisions:
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Department of Residences and Accommodation in line with strategic objectives of the University;
• Operational management of Student Support Divisions: 
  • Placement Management, Residence Systems Management, Residence Operations, Residence Management and Student Life, Student Support - Residences: Ensure the development, implementation and operational execution of strategy, business rules, policies and processes with regard to Placement Management (placement of students and guests in UP residences); Residence Management and Life;
  • Identify and define strategic objectives for the department for operational effectiveness in liaison with the Director;
• Private accredited accommodation and management of leased accommodation:
  • Ensure that all process and policies are adhered to in the consideration of private and leased accommodation;
• Financial and infrastructure management:
  • Compile comprehensive divisional personnel, capital and operational budgets on an annual basis;
  • Control costs by applying effective control measures, and report to the Director at agreed intervals;
• Human resources management:
  • Develop and maintain a functional management system in which staff, contract appointments and consultants have a clear understanding of their respective duties and responsibilities;
• Support to the Director:
  • Provide strategic input into the Department's strategic goals to align with the University's strategic goals;
  • Provide continuous support to the Office of the Director.

 

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree, or equivalent of a Level 9 National Qualifications Framework (NQF) qualification

Drivers Licence

Eight years' relevant experience, which includes at least five years of management experience in a higher education and/or residence environment, with proven experience in and knowledge of inter alia:

• Strategic management and decision making;
• Writing or drafting of strategic or high level documents/planning documents/proposals/reports/policies/regulations, etc.;
• The promotion of residences as environments that support academic success;
• Customer relationship management;
• Financial and administrative management;
• Working with students and dealing with various student matters;
• Knowledge and/or interest in student governance structures;
• Conflict management and conflict resolution;
• Applied knowledge and experience in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and e-mail;
• Human resources management;
• Managing of internal and external service providers;
• Basic understanding of accreditation processes in the residence environment;
• Overseeing the general management of the overall student activities.

 

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Beahvioural Attributes)

• The ability and sophistication needed to interact with internal stakeholders, business, media and external stakeholders;
• Project management skills;
• A participative management style and a high level of leadership skills;
• Administration management and analytical skills;
• Applicable language and communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Result-oriented.

 

Added Advantages and Preferences

• Experience in residential student life will be an added advantage;
• Experience in and knowledge of UP's undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral policies and processes with regard to residences and student bodies' infrastructures.

 

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

 

ENQUIRIES: Ms F Nhliziyo, Tel: (012) 420 2297