Assistant Director- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Assistant Director
- Job ID: 6462
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Directorate for Institutional Research and Academic Planning
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 23 May 2026
Job Description
The Assistant Director will support institutional research, strategic planning, policy development, statutory reporting, and quality assurance processes at the university. The role focuses on research analysis, higher education planning, and stakeholder engagement to support university decision-making and strategic objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Institutional Research and Analysis
- Conduct institutional research to support:
- Planning
- Policy formulation
- Decision-making
- Analyse external higher education trends such as:
- State funding
- Policy changes
- Matric results
Data and Business Intelligence
- Process research data into business intelligence reports.
- Ensure uniform data definitions and interpretation of information.
- Contribute to research publications.
Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Participate in institutional strategic planning processes.
- Contribute to:
- University vision and mission planning
- Quality assurance
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Assist with statutory reports including:
- Annual reports
- Annual performance plans
- Mid-year reports
- DHET submissions
Project and Stakeholder Management
- Manage administration of research projects.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities.
- Liaise with relevant external organisations and bodies.
Team Participation
- Participate in planning and team meetings.
- Perform additional departmental responsibilities when required.
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9) in:
- Higher Education
- Education
- Minimum of 4 years relevant working experience.
Recommendations
- PhD (NQF Level 10) in Higher Education or Education.
- At least 5 years’ experience in the South African higher education sector.
- Knowledge of:
- University systems
- Policies
- Procedures
Required Competencies
Results Orientation
- Reliable and accountable.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong organisational skills.
- High attention to detail.
Business Acumen
- Strong understanding of:
- Strategic planning
- Operational reporting
- DHET reporting processes
- Higher education systems
- Advanced Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
- Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
Leadership
- Ability to lead and guide teams.
- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
Relationship Building
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Comfortable working in diverse professional environments.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary scale available upon request.
- Benefits may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Housing allowance
- Group life insurance
- Leave benefits
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Starting Date
- 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV
- Qualifications or proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications
- South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or previous employment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official UFS Careers Portal.
Contact Information
Enquiries
- Tel: 051 401 2979
- Email: JardineS@ufs.ac.za
- Email: Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Application Assistance
- Tel: 051 401 7659 / 9813