Assistant Director (Post Level 7) – UFS Business School (Job ID: 6487)
- Employer: University of the Free State
- Department: UFS Business School, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Position Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
Job Description
The Assistant Director is responsible for providing strategic, operational, financial, and business development leadership for Executive Education within the UFS Business School. The role focuses on growing Executive Education programmes, developing strategic partnerships, increasing revenue streams, ensuring programme quality, and strengthening relationships between higher education and industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Drive the strategic objectives and performance targets of Executive Education.
- Develop annual strategy scorecards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Monitor programme pipeline performance and revenue growth.
- Participate in Business School and institutional strategic planning.
- Translate strategic goals into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Align Executive Education initiatives with Business School priorities.
Market Research and Opportunity Identification
- Conduct competitor analysis and market research.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities in Executive Education.
- Engage industry stakeholders to determine sector needs.
- Analyse market demands and identify new programme opportunities.
Programme Development and Partnerships
- Develop new Executive Education programmes.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry and other stakeholders.
- Facilitate programme planning, implementation, and partnership agreements.
- Manage agreements such as:
- Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Programme Management and Quality Assurance
- Oversee programme implementation and delivery.
- Allocate facilitators and resources.
- Monitor programme schedules, readiness, and budgets.
- Coordinate moderation and programme review processes.
- Evaluate participant feedback and implement improvements.
- Maintain programme quality standards and documentation.
Marketing and Communication
- Review and approve programme brochures and marketing materials.
- Ensure compliance with institutional branding standards.
- Manage the quality and accuracy of programme information.
Business Development and Sales
- Identify and engage prospective corporate clients.
- Build and manage a business development pipeline.
- Present Executive Education offerings to stakeholders.
- Develop customised programme proposals for clients.
- Implement Business-to-Business (B2B) sales strategies.
Stakeholder and Relationship Management
- Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities.
- Strengthen collaboration between industry and the university.
Financial Management
- Contribute to programme budgeting and financial planning.
- Monitor expenditure and revenue performance.
- Review financial reports and programme budgets.
- Authorise claims within delegated authority limits.
- Ensure financial sustainability of Executive Education programmes.
Operational Management
- Coordinate programme scheduling and logistics.
- Ensure operational readiness before programme commencement.
- Manage facilities and resources required for programme delivery.
Staff Leadership
- Lead and supervise programme staff.
- Allocate duties and responsibilities.
- Monitor performance and support staff development.
Compliance and Governance
- Ensure compliance with university policies and accreditation requirements.
- Maintain compliance records and documentation.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and reviews.
Proposal and Tender Management
- Prepare and coordinate proposals and tender submissions.
- Compile supporting documentation and cost information.
- Ensure submissions meet deadlines and institutional requirements.
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
- Coordinate development and approval processes for SLPs.
- Guide partners through SLP development requirements.
- Ensure compliance before submission to governance structures.
Minimum Requirements
- Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Professional Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 8) in:
- Business Management
- Commerce
- Higher Education Management
- Education Management
- Related field
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a Business School environment.
- Experience building partnerships between higher education and industry.
- Proven ability to develop and implement B2B sales strategies.
Recommended Skills
- Strategic planning and leadership.
- Project management.
- Financial management and budgeting.
- Business development and client relationship management.
- Innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment.
Core Competencies
- Results orientation.
- Strategic thinking.
- Business acumen.
- Leadership and team management.
- Negotiation and influencing skills.
- Relationship building and stakeholder engagement.
- Advanced MS Office proficiency.