Head: Student Experience- University of the Free State x1

Job Details

Position: Head: Student Experience (Post Level 8)
Job ID: 6468 (2190)
Institution: University of the Free State
Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
Office: Office of the Executive Director: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Contract Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Junior Management
Closing Date: 6 July 2026

Job Description

The Head: Student Experience is a junior management role responsible for leading and coordinating strategic student engagement initiatives, student life programmes, digital student platforms, and cross-campus student experience activities.

The role focuses on enhancing student engagement, managing complex projects, coordinating stakeholders, driving operational excellence, and ensuring a high-quality student experience aligned with the university’s strategic objectives.

This position sits within the Student Affairs portfolio and plays a key role in bridging academic and co-curricular student life.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management & Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic leadership for student experience initiatives and programmes.
Manage end-to-end delivery of student engagement projects.
Develop project plans, timelines, and execution frameworks.
Oversee awards programmes and campus-wide activations.
Ensure alignment of initiatives with institutional strategy.

2. Student Experience Programme Management

Lead execution of student experience events and initiatives.
Manage logistics and coordination of physical and digital student programmes.
Ensure effective integration of academic and co-curricular experiences.
Oversee student engagement platforms and media channels (e.g., KovsieX).

3. Financial & Operational Governance

Manage divisional budgets and financial resources.
Oversee procurement processes and compliance with university systems.
Ensure adherence to institutional policies and governance frameworks.
Monitor operational efficiency and resource utilisation.
Oversee maintenance and operational administration of student experience facilities.

4. Change Management & Organisational Development

Lead transition from traditional operating models to collaborative structures.
Implement peer-based and group leadership models within student programmes.
Drive change management processes among staff and student volunteers.
Support adoption of new engagement frameworks and operational models.
Promote a positive organisational culture.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

Coordinate internal university departments and external stakeholders.
Liaise with student leadership structures and committees.
Manage relationships with service providers and partners.
Act as liaison between academic, administrative, and student bodies.
Facilitate collaboration across multiple institutional units.

6. Human Capital & Team Leadership

Provide leadership to staff and student volunteers.
Manage performance, development, and conflict resolution.
Foster teamwork, collaboration, and accountability.
Build capacity within student experience teams.
Ensure effective communication and coordination within teams.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree OR Advanced Diploma OR BTech OR Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Public Administration
- Business Management
- Social Sciences
- Related field

Experience

Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in:
- Project management
- Operational administration
- Stakeholder coordination
- Student development or student affairs

Recommended (Advantageous)

Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8)
Experience in:
- Student media or communications
- Journalism or digital media environments
- Student leadership or student activities management
Higher education sector experience
Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures
Strong leadership in collaborative environments

Personal Assistant- Bloemfontein x1