Residence Head: Female On-Campus Residence (3 years)
Job Details
- Job Title: Residence Head: Female On-Campus Residence (Secondary Position)
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture – Housing and Residence Affairs
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6653
- Employment Type: Contract (3 years)
- Occupational Level: Temporary
- Salary/Allowance: R185,853.96 per annum
- Closing Date: 29 October 2026
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
- Eligibility: Only permanent staff members of the University of the Free State will be considered.
Job Description
The University of the Free State is inviting applications from its permanent staff members for the position of Residence Head: Female On-Campus Residence on a three-year contract basis at the Bloemfontein Campus.
The successful candidate will oversee the management and administration of a female student residence, promote an inclusive and academically supportive living environment, guide student leaders, and ensure compliance with university policies and residence regulations. The role also involves student mentorship, leadership development, conflict resolution, disciplinary management and fostering a positive residence culture that supports student well-being and academic success.
Key Responsibilities
General Residence Management
- Monitor and report on residence programmes, activities and challenges.
- Attend and facilitate training programmes and workshops for personal and student development.
- Maintain residence contracts, agreements and election documents.
- Facilitate the implementation of the residence code of conduct.
- Prepare comprehensive term and annual residence management reports.
- Report maintenance issues and breakages in collaboration with the Service Manager.
- Manage residence finances and financial administration.
- Facilitate occupational health and safety (OHS) matters with the relevant university offices.
Student Management and Support
- Create an inspirational and supportive residence environment.
- Manage the residence and promote a strong academic learning culture.
- Align residence management with the vision, mission and strategic goals of UFS and Student Affairs.
- Promote an inclusive, diverse and transformative living and learning community.
- Implement value-driven management and facilitate value-based discussions.
- Guide and support the residence committee.
- Implement the college initiative.
- Provide students with guidance, advice and mentorship.
- Maintain positive working relationships and effective communication with residents.
- Engage with parents and prospective students regarding residence activities and programmes.
Student Leadership Development
- Maintain effective working relationships with residence management and student leadership structures.
- Facilitate residence committee elections and appointments.
- Organise and oversee training for student leaders.
- Coordinate annual planning and ensure that the residence committee’s year plan is implemented.
- Mentor student leaders and support individual development and team building.
- Attend residence committee and house meetings.
- Oversee first-year election committees.
- Coordinate collaboration between subcommittees, mentors and other student leadership structures.
- Identify student leaders and opportunities for leadership development.
Student Development and Academic Success
- Ensure that first-time entering students (FTENs) receive a welcoming experience that meets university standards.
- Coordinate the residence mentor system, including mentor appointments, training and regular feedback sessions.
- Promote academic engagement and invite academics to share research and knowledge with residents.
- Support students with personal, life and career-related challenges and refer them to relevant professionals when necessary.
- Promote diversity, participation and a healthy residence community.
- Maintain an environment conducive to learning and student success.
- Support students’ academic, medical, emotional, psychological and social well-being through appropriate assistance and referrals.
- Encourage students to take responsibility for their own well-being and that of fellow residents.
- Serve as a positive role model.
Policy and Disciplinary Management
- Implement university and departmental policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Ensure that residence disciplinary codes align with university regulations and value-driven management principles.
- Manage and report disciplinary incidents involving residents.
- Refer disciplinary matters to the University Student Disciplinary Committee in collaboration with the Residence Committee.
- Implement the Residence Placement Policy, including integration and room allocations.
- Review student disciplinary procedures.
- Monitor minor offences, penalties and disciplinary processes for serious offences.
- Handle appeals against penalties imposed by the Residence Committee.
- Conduct confidential discussions with students following serious misconduct.
- Participate in mediation and coaching and liaise with the Head of Department (HOD) to resolve disciplinary matters.
- Refer Level 3 contraventions to the HOD.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech degree or Postgraduate Certificate at NQF Level 7.
- At least two years of experience in a university residence or Student Affairs environment.
- Must be a permanent staff member of the University of the Free State.
Recommended Requirements
The following will be advantageous:
- A postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8.
- Three to five years of relevant experience.
- Knowledge of student disciplinary processes.
- Knowledge of residence management and university policies.
- Understanding of current trends in higher education.
- Mentoring and coaching skills.
- Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Results Orientation: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and manage stressful situations calmly and effectively.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage multiple activities, analyse information and solve problems logically.
- Business Acumen: Ability to follow policies and regulations and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Leadership: Ability to motivate others, take charge and provide guidance and direction.
- Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and teamwork.
Salary and Benefits
- Annual Allowance: R185,853.96 per annum.
- Contract Duration: Three years.