Manager: Student Affairs- University of the Free State x1
Position Details
- Job Title: Manager: Student Affairs (Post Level 8)
- Job ID: 6476
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture → Student Governance
- Location: UFS South Campus
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Closing Date: 15 June 2026
Job Purpose
The Manager: Student Affairs is responsible for leading and coordinating student governance structures, supporting student leadership development, ensuring governance compliance, managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing projects and budgets, and contributing to the strategic objectives of the University’s Student Governance Office.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Align student governance structures with institutional goals and strategies.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans.
- Promote good governance and leadership practices among student leaders.
- Build partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, NPOs, and other stakeholders.
- Provide strategic support to the Head of the Institutional Student Governance Office.
- Monitor trends and developments affecting student governance and student affairs.
Governance and Compliance
- Oversee the operations of student governance structures, including:
- Student Representative Councils (SRC)
- Faculty Student Councils (FSC)
- Student Associations and Organisations
- Facilitate student elections and leadership transitions.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, statutes, and constitutions.
- Identify governance policy gaps and assist with policy development and review.
Protest and Conflict Management
- Serve as a liaison between students and university management during protests.
- Facilitate peaceful conflict resolution and dialogue.
- Monitor social media and student concerns.
- Develop communication plans during protest actions.
- Advise university leadership on emerging student issues and potential solutions.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage Student Governance Office budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and ensure compliance with financial policies.
- Approve requisitions according to procurement procedures.
- Support annual planning and budgeting processes for student governance structures.
- Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Training and Leadership Development
- Coordinate leadership development programmes for student leaders.
- Facilitate orientation and induction programmes.
- Organise workshops, strategic planning sessions, and team-building initiatives.
- Implement financial literacy programmes for student leadership structures.
- Coordinate student leadership co-curricular programmes.
Project Management
- Oversee student governance projects and programmes.
- Approve and monitor Plans of Action (POAs) submitted by governance structures.
- Coordinate governance-related events and activities.
- Ensure projects are completed according to objectives and timelines.
- Promote community engagement initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Foster relationships between students, faculties, management, and external stakeholders.
- Promote communication and collaboration across governance structures.
- Build partnerships that support student governance objectives.
Reporting and Administration
- Compile and present management reports.
- Ensure proper record keeping and document management.
- Provide guidance on report writing and minute-taking.
- Consolidate reports from governance structures for senior management.
People Management
- Supervise and support staff members.
- Coordinate staff schedules and responsibilities.
- Conduct performance management processes.
- Manage leave and disciplinary matters.
- Identify staff development and training needs.
- Promote employee wellness and engagement.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, B.Tech Degree, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Public Administration
- Related disciplines
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in:
- Student Affairs
- Student Governance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Management
- Leadership Development
- Related fields
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
- Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8).
- Experience within a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Additional experience in Student Affairs.
- Membership or registration with a relevant professional body.
Required Competencies
Leadership and Management
- Leadership and people management skills.
- Strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
- Team development and coaching skills.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
Business Acumen
- Understanding of governance and compliance requirements.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Relationship Building
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Stakeholder management and networking abilities.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Results Orientation
- Ability to set and achieve challenging goals.
- Strong accountability and performance focus.
- Commitment to service excellence.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Annual and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits