Director: Student Life and Governance (Post Level 5)

Director: Student Life and Governance (Post Level 5)

Job Details

• Job Title: Director: Student Life and Governance (Post Level 5)
• Job ID: 6338
• Organizational Unit: University of the Free State
  Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
• Contract Type: Contract (5 years, with possibility of reappointment)
• Occupational Level: Middle Management
• Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
• Closing Date: 13 February 2026
• Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible

Job Overview / Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications for the position of Director: Student Life and Governance, located at the Bloemfontein Campus. The Director provides strategic, operational, and governance leadership for the integrated Student Life and Student Governance portfolio, ensuring the holistic development, engagement, and success of students across the institution.

The incumbent will drive strategic initiatives aligned to UFS Vision 130, strengthen governance systems, and enhance campus life through co-curricular programming, student leadership development, and stakeholder engagement. This role reports to the Executive Director: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture and plays a critical role in shaping a transformative student experience and ensuring institutional stability during times of risk or crisis.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for Student Life and Student Governance aligned to Vision 130.

• Assist the Executive Director in planning, implementing, and monitoring strategic initiatives.

• Lead development and implementation of student life and governance frameworks, policies, and standards.

• Strengthen campus life, student engagement, and governance stability through effective programmes and partnerships.

Governance and Compliance

• Oversee Student Governance, including SRC governance, leadership structures, constitutions, and electoral processes.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, UFS Statute, and institutional governance frameworks.

• Strengthen ethical governance, accountability, and transparent decision-making.

• Collaborate with Legal Services to ensure adherence to rules and disciplinary codes.

Operational Leadership

Provide oversight and strategic direction to the following units:

• Career Services

• Student Leadership Development

• Food Environment Programme

• KovsieACT (Co-curricular Student Development)

• Student Research & Development Office

• Student Governance

Ensure integration, collaboration, and synergy across all units for a cohesive student development model.

Student Leadership Development

• Lead comprehensive leadership development programmes.

• Provide mentorship and advisory support to student structures.

• Build leadership pipelines for emerging student leaders.

Student Engagement & Co-Curricular Development

• Drive impactful co-curricular programmes and activities.

• Strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Oversee quality and effectiveness of KovsieACT programmes.

Risk, Crisis & Stability Management

• Provide leadership during student crises, unrest, or governance instability.

• Identify and mitigate emerging risks through strategic interventions.

• Contribute to policy and procedure refinement to maintain institutional stability.

Institutional Advisory & Representation

• Serve as primary advisor to the Executive Director on student life and governance matters.

• Represent the division on university committees and governance structures.

• Provide analytics and reporting to support executive decision-making.

People & Resource Management

• Lead, manage, and develop staff across the portfolio.

• Ensure effective resource allocation, budgeting, and financial management.

• Implement performance management and staff development strategies.

Inherent Job Requirements

• Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Higher Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Organisational Leadership, Law, or related field.

• Minimum 8 years relevant progressive management experience, with at least 5 years at middle management level in higher education, governance, student affairs, or related environments.

• Demonstrated experience in:

  • Student governance oversight

  • Leadership development

  • Strategic planning and execution

  • Policy development and compliance

  • Management of multiple units within the portfolio

Key Competencies Required

Results Orientated

• Ability to set high standards and achieve goals.

• Ability to operate under pressure and manage change.

• Maintain composure in high-stress situations.

Strategic Thinking

• Strategic planning and change leadership.

• Governance and compliance expertise.

• Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.

Business Acumen

• Programme and crisis management.

• Policy development and conflict resolution.

• Proficiency in MS Office.

Leading

• Strong leadership presence and energy.

• Ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and promote collaboration.

Building Coalitions

• High emotional intelligence.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Available on request

• Fringe benefits: Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave benefits, service bonus, and study benefits (subject to conditions)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following online via the UFS vacancy portal:

• Detailed CV

• Copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications)

• Copy of ID or passport

• Confirmation of employment (for external applicants)

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Enquiries

For more information, contact:
vermaakm@ufs.ac.za
051 401 9329

For technical assistance:
051 401 9848