Chief Officer: Talent and Employability Development x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Chief Officer: Talent and Employability Development (Post Level 8)
- Job ID: 6586
- Organisation: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic – Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Salary: Available on request
- Assumption of Duties: 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
- Closing Date: 7 September 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Chief Officer: Talent and Employability Development to provide strategic and operational leadership for career development, employability and student transition-to-work initiatives.
The successful candidate will lead the Talent and Employability: Career Services team, develop strategic partnerships with employers and industry, oversee career-readiness programmes, support Work Integrated Learning initiatives and use research and data to strengthen graduate employability outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Operational Management
- Lead the development and implementation of innovative career development and employability initiatives.
- Contribute to the strategic direction and continuous development of Talent and Employability Development programmes and services.
- Develop and implement an annual TED operational strategy aligned with institutional priorities and student-success objectives.
- Support the university’s graduate employability, societal impact and responsible global citizenship goals.
- Integrate national and international career-development practices into institutional programmes.
- Contribute to Work Integrated Learning initiatives and participate in relevant institutional task teams.
- Lead and supervise the Talent and Employability: Career Services team.
- Manage relevant HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management and leave.
Internal & External Relations
- Establish and maintain partnerships with employers, industry partners, professional bodies and other stakeholders.
- Act as the primary institutional liaison for employers engaging with TED and student recruitment initiatives.
- Develop employer engagement strategies to increase internship, graduate employment and experiential learning opportunities.
- Facilitate employer participation in career fairs, networking events and recruitment initiatives.
Strategy & Operational Support
- Lead initiatives that prepare students for successful transitions into employment.
- Design and facilitate career-readiness workshops, career weeks, employability training and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure students have access to relevant career-pathway information, labour-market trends and professional opportunities.
- Promote student participation in career development programmes.
- Oversee student-focused and peer-led employability initiatives where applicable.
- Collaborate with Student Success and Learning and Teaching programmes within the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
- Oversee TED: Career Services budgeting and expenditure tracking.
Research & Professional Engagement
- Monitor national and global developments in career development, employability, student success and higher education.
- Participate in professional networks, research initiatives and sector collaborations.
- Identify national and international career-development partnerships, initiatives and benchmarking opportunities.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Develop systems to measure the effectiveness and impact of TED programmes.
- Maintain quality assurance across TED activities and student engagement programmes.
- Prepare institutional reports, strategic insights and annual reviews.
- Use data and feedback to improve programmes and inform strategic decisions.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, B.Tech or postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Career Development, Psychology, Education, Higher Education, Human Resource Development, Student Development, Social Sciences or a related field.
- At least 3 years’ relevant working experience in company and/or student relations services related to career development or advising support.
- At least 2 years’ experience working in or with higher education institutions.
- Experience supervising staff and/or leading programmes, projects or services.
Recommended Qualifications & Experience
An advantage would be:
- Honours degree/Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) or higher.
- Knowledge of Higher Education Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Professional training in academic and/or career advising.
- Membership of a professional career advising or development body.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Results Orientation: Ability to adapt to changing environments and fulfil responsibilities reliably.
- Strategic Thinking: Creative problem-solving and strong analytical and logical thinking skills.
- Business Acumen: Ability to follow policies and regulations and proficiency in MS Office.
- Leadership: Ability to take charge, provide direction, maintain motivation and encourage teamwork.
- Building Coalitions: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and build professional relationships.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants should submit:
- A detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
- Supporting proof for recommended professional training or membership, where applicable
Important: The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing Date
7 September 2026