Student Governance Manager x1
- Job Title: Student Governance Manager (Post Level 8)
- Job ID: 6579
- Reference: 2263
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture – Student Governance
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Location: Qwaqwa Campus, Free State
- Closing Date: 4 September 2026
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The Student Governance Manager will provide strategic, operational and administrative support to the University’s student governance structures. The role involves overseeing governance operations, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and constitutions, facilitating student governance elections, supporting student leadership development and managing projects and stakeholder relationships.
The successful candidate will also play an important role in protest management and resolution, financial management, staff supervision, communication, reporting and capacity-building initiatives for student leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Support
- Ensure student governance structures are strategically aligned with institutional goals.
- Assist with the development and implementation of strategic plans.
- Oversee annual operational plans and reporting.
- Promote good governance and strategic leadership.
- Develop partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, NPOs, Chapter 9 institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
- Provide strategic support to the Institutional Student Governance Office.
- Monitor trends and developments affecting diverse student communities.
Governance and Compliance
- Oversee the operations of Faculty Student Councils, associations, organisations and the SRC Administrator.
- Ensure student governance structures comply with the ISRC Constitution and UFS Institutional Statute.
- Facilitate student governance elections and transitions.
- Ensure timely submission of student representative lists to institutional committees.
- Identify policy gaps and contribute to the development and review of governance policies.
- Monitor student representatives’ participation in institutional committee meetings.
Protest Management and Resolution
- Act as a liaison between university administration and student groups.
- Support peaceful resolution of student protests and concerns.
- Work with campus security to manage risks during protests.
- Monitor social media and communication channels for developments relating to protests.
- Develop communication plans concerning protest activities.
- Facilitate dialogue and discussions aimed at resolving student concerns.
- Advise university leadership on potential protests and possible solutions.
Financial Management
- Compile budgets and annual plan schedules for the Student Governance Office.
- Monitor financial resources allocated to student governance structures.
- Approve requisitions in accordance with UFS procurement policies.
- Monitor expenditure and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Assist standing committees with planning, budgeting and financial monitoring.
Training and Capacity Building
- Develop financial literacy training and workshops for student leadership structures.
- Facilitate leadership development programmes for the SRC and its sub-structures.
- Plan induction and orientation programmes for newly elected student governance structures.
- Identify suitable internal and external professionals for leadership training.
- Coordinate student leadership activities.
- Facilitate workshops, team-building activities, training and strategic planning sessions.
- Identify leadership and development opportunities for student leaders.
Project Management
- Receive and assess Plans of Action from the SRC and its sub-structures.
- Approve and oversee governance Plans of Action.
- Develop and implement student governance programmes.
- Provide logistical support for student governance events and projects.
- Monitor projects to ensure completion within required timelines.
- Support digital and media coverage of governance events and initiatives.
- Oversee internal and external campus SRC projects.
- Initiate and coordinate strategically relevant student governance projects.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Promote communication between student governance structures, faculty management and stakeholders.
- Establish relationships with external stakeholders.
- Strengthen collaboration between student governance structures and institutional governance bodies.
Reporting and Administration
- Compile and present reports on student governance activities and performance.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Provide guidance on report and minute writing.
- Collate reports from Student Governance Office staff and submit them to the relevant Head of Department.
People Management
- Prepare work schedules and allocate duties to staff.
- Supervise, support and mentor employees.
- Assist with recruitment and appointment processes for ad-hoc and contract staff.
- Manage staff leave and disciplinary processes in accordance with UFS policies.
- Identify staff training requirements.
- Conduct the performance management process.
- Promote staff wellbeing and effective teamwork.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, B.Tech degree or Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7.
- At least three years’ relevant experience in student affairs, student governance, stakeholder engagement, project management, leadership development or a related field.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
The University of the Free State recommends candidates with:
- A qualification in Social Sciences, Education, Public Administration, Law or a related discipline.
- An Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma on NQF Level 8.
- Experience within a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies and procedures.
- Three years’ relevant experience in Student Affairs.
- Membership of, or registration with, a professional body, where applicable.
Required Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Results Orientation
- Ability to establish high standards and challenging goals.
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
- Creativity and an open-minded approach to workplace challenges.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow rules, regulations and work procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
- Ability to take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Strong negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position includes benefits such as:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits