Director: Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access x1
Job Details
- Position: Director: Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access
- Job ID: 6559
- Post Level: Level 5
- Organisation: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Reporting to: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, Internationalisation and Institutional Affairs
- Institute: Institute for Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Contract: Five-year fixed-term, performance-based contract
- Possibility of Reappointment: Yes, subject to institutional requirements and performance
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Assumption of Duty: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 24 August 2026
- Salary: Competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a visionary, strategic and accomplished leader to serve as Director of the Institute for Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access.
The successful candidate will provide strategic and executive leadership in advancing the University’s transformation agenda, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, institutional culture, universal access and social justice across all UFS campuses.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Director will advise senior university leadership and governance structures while overseeing strategic initiatives designed to position UFS as a leader in institutional transformation and inclusive excellence.
Key Responsibilities
The Director will be responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership on institutional transformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and social justice.
- Developing and implementing transformation strategies aligned with the UFS Strategic Plan.
- Advising the Vice-Chancellor, Executive Management Committee, Council and Senate on institutional transformation matters.
- Leading institution-wide organisational development and change management initiatives.
- Providing strategic oversight of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS).
- Developing and reviewing institutional policies relating to transformation, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and human rights.
- Monitoring institutional culture, transformation indicators and organisational climate.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable higher education legislation, governance frameworks and reporting requirements.
- Building strategic partnerships with government, higher education institutions, professional bodies, community organisations and international partners.
- Representing UFS nationally and internationally on institutional transformation, accessibility and social justice matters.
- Leading the Institute’s operational, financial and people management functions.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s Degree on NQF Level 9 in one of the following fields:
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration
- Higher Education
- Education
- Psychology
- Law
- Human Rights
- Organisational Development
- A related discipline
- At least 10 years’ relevant experience in institutional transformation, organisational development, diversity and inclusion, social justice or institutional strategy.
- At least 7 years’ middle management experience.
- Proven experience within the higher education sector.
- Experience advising executive leadership.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated institutional governance experience.
- Extensive policy development experience.
- Experience leading complex strategic institutional projects.
Recommended Qualifications
The following will be advantageous:
- A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.
- A qualification in:
- Legal Studies
- Change Management
- Project Management
- Disability Studies
- Governance
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong capabilities in:
- Strategic leadership and institutional transformation
- Organisational development and change management
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Social justice and universal accessibility
- Policy development and governance
- Executive-level advisory work
- Stakeholder and partnership management
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Strategic project management
- Financial and people management
Term of Appointment
This is a five-year fixed-term, performance-based contract with the possibility of reappointment, subject to institutional requirements and performance.
Candidates must be able to complete the full five-year term. Applicants who will reach the University’s normal retirement age during the contract period will not be eligible for appointment.
Benefits
The University offers a competitive remuneration package appropriate to the responsibilities of this executive leadership position, together with attractive employee benefits in accordance with the University’s Conditions of Service