Manager: Student Governance Office x1
- Position: Manager: Student Governance Office (SGO)
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Division: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
- Location: QwaQwa Campus
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Closing Date: 15 June 2026
Position Purpose
The Manager: Student Governance Office is responsible for leading and coordinating student governance structures, ensuring effective governance, compliance, leadership development, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and student representation. The role supports the strategic objectives of the university by promoting student participation, leadership development, and institutional governance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning and Governance Support
- Align student governance structures with university strategic objectives.
- Support the implementation of institutional governance strategies and policies.
- Develop and monitor annual operational plans.
- Promote good governance and leadership practices among student leaders.
- Establish partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, NPOs, voluntary associations, and Chapter 9 institutions.
- Provide strategic support to the Head and Deputy Director of Student Governance.
- Monitor developments and trends affecting student governance and student affairs.
2. Governance and Compliance
- Oversee the operations of:
- Student Representative Councils (SRC)
- Faculty Student Councils (FSC)
- Student Associations and Organisations
- Coordinate student elections and leadership transitions.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Institutional SRC Constitution
- University Statute
- Governance policies and procedures
- Identify governance policy gaps and contribute to policy development and reviews.
- Ensure student representation on university committees.
3. Protest Management and Conflict Resolution
- Act as liaison between university management and student groups.
- Facilitate dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Monitor student concerns and protest activities.
- Work closely with campus security and university leadership.
- Develop communication plans during protest situations.
- Advise university management on emerging student issues and mitigation strategies.
4. Financial Management
- Prepare and manage the Student Governance Office budget.
- Monitor expenditure and financial compliance.
- Approve requisitions according to procurement policies.
- Support student governance structures with:
- Budget planning
- Financial monitoring
- Annual planning processes
- Introduce financial literacy programmes for student leaders.
5. Leadership Development and Capacity Building
- Facilitate leadership training and development programmes.
- Coordinate student leadership induction and orientation programmes.
- Organise workshops, strategic planning sessions, and team-building activities.
- Support graduate attributes, employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership initiatives.
- Collaborate with academic faculties and support divisions to enhance student development opportunities.
6. Project and Programme Management
- Review and oversee Plans of Action submitted by governance structures.
- Implement governance-focused projects and initiatives.
- Coordinate governance events, leadership programmes, and campaigns.
- Monitor project implementation and achievement of objectives.
- Promote community engagement and student participation initiatives.
- Ensure effective communication and media coverage of governance activities.
7. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain strong relationships with:
- Student leaders
- University management
- Government institutions
- External stakeholders
- Facilitate communication between governance structures and institutional leadership.
- Promote collaboration and stakeholder participation.
8. Reporting and Administration
- Compile reports for university leadership.
- Maintain accurate records and governance documentation.
- Ensure quality report writing and minute-taking practices.
- Consolidate reports received from governance coordinators and staff.
9. People Management
- Supervise and mentor Student Governance Office staff.
- Allocate duties and manage workloads.
- Conduct performance management processes.
- Coordinate staff development and training.
- Manage leave administration and disciplinary matters.
- Promote employee well-being and teamwork.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, B.Tech Degree, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Public Administration
- Related disciplines
- A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in:
- Student Affairs
- Student Governance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Management
- Leadership Development
- Related fields
Recommendations
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8).
- Experience within a higher education institution.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Three years’ experience specifically in Student Affairs.
- Membership or registration with a relevant professional body.
Key Competencies
Results Orientation
- Ability to achieve goals and deliver outcomes.
- Adaptability and resilience under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving and innovative thinking skills.
Business Acumen
- Understanding of governance and compliance requirements.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership
- Ability to lead teams and student structures effectively.
- Strong decision-making and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to motivate and guide others.
Building Relationships
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and relationship-management abilities.