Purpose

To actively support the Dean/Executive Director of Student Affairs in meeting the strategic objectives and goals of the Student Affairs department through the management of student governance, student life and development, and career services. Further responsibilities include people management, financial management, and health and safety management.

Minimum requirements

• A master's qualification in a relevant field
• 5 years relevant experience, including supervisory experience
• Computer literate
• Driver's licence
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours

Recommended requirements 

• Experience in Student governance and leadership development
• Experience in Student wellness, residence life, or co‑curricular programmes
• Experience in Policy development and implementation within higher education

Duties
1. Strategy Development and execution

• Actively support the Dean in the achievement of the Student Affairs strategic objectives
• Implement Student Affairs strategies within designated portfolios in alignment with SPU Strategic Goals and Objectives
• Provide input for Student Affairs strategy development
• Implement strategic objectives for portfolios reporting to this position
• Student governance
• Student life and development
• Career services

2. Operations management
    Student Governance

• Develop and implement proper student governance systems that comply with the required regulatory framework
• Develop and implement development initiatives that comply with the required regulatory framework for student governance structures
• Inform, conceptualize and implement procedures, frameworks and guidelines in relation to student governance-related programmes
• Oversee Student Governance Elections

   Student Life and Development

• Expose students to student life and development programmes
• Plan campus student life and development events
• Coordinate affiliation process to national and provincial cultural and student development bodies/federations
• Arrange for visits to cultural and development events taking place off campus
• Promote student life and development participation among students
• Initiate and coordinate workshops for student life and development
• Foster diversity, inclusivity and leadership development amongst students
• Instill data-driven praxis through effective programme evaluation practices on programmes enacted as part of the greater DSA objectives and goals

   Career Services Management

• Oversees and approves the design and implementation of career services programmes on behalf of the Division of Student Affairs
• Implement and approve quality assurance measures and systems in relation to career and professional development programmes
• Oversee the assignment of responsibilities and tasks within the areas of career services and professional development
• Inform and assist in the implementation of strategies, guidelines and procedures within career services
• Encourage the participation of students in career and profession development
• Oversee the implementation of career education outreach programmes, inclusive of assessment services and staff development programmes within the Student Affairs Division
• Establish and foster both external and internal stakeholder interest and engagement in career development programmes

3. Policy and procedure development

• Review current Student Life and Development policies and procedures
• Provide input for the development of new Student Life and Development frameworks
• Implementation of Student Affairs policies, procedures and guidelines in alignment with the University strategic goals and objectives

4. Health and Safety

• Assist in identifying health, safety and security risks
• Inform health and safety representatives and the Dean of Student Affairs about any health and safety issue
• Ensure health and safety representatives are appointed and properly trained
• Ensure that health and safety rules and procedures are adhered to
• Ensure that students and staff are aware of emergency procedures and policie

5. Quality assurance and Risk management

• Promoting innovation in the student life and development services and general administration
• Further develop and implement the quality assurance system to meet both internally set standards and the requirements of relevant external bodies
• Ensure compliance for audit purposes

6. Resources Management: Human Resources

• Manage Student Life and Development staff
• Ensure fair allocation of workloads
• Provide input into job descriptions
• Monitor operational activities
• Contribute to the recruitment process for positions in Student Life and Development
• Take responsibility for new staff induction
• Take responsibility for performance agreements of staff
• Manage staff training, development, coaching and mentoring
• Manage employment relations (grievance, discipline and conflict resolution)
• Manage Student Life and Development staff leave
• Ensure that staff records are kept up to date

7. Resources Management: budget, finance and procurement

• Provide input into Student Affairs operational, staffing and capex budget
• Manage section expenses against budget
• Asset management

8. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Relevant strategic and operational reports as and when required
• Research and implement best practices
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders

Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. 

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.