Residence Head:University of the Free State 3-Years
Job Details
- Job Title: Residence Head: Female On-Campus Residence
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Employment Type: 3-Year Contract (Secondary Position)
- Level: Junior Management
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
- Start Date: 1 May 2026
- Salary: Allowance of R178,089.27 per year
Job Overview
This is a junior management position responsible for leading and managing a female on-campus residence community. The role focuses on student leadership, mentorship, discipline, and creating a supportive living and learning environment.
Important: This is a secondary/internal position, meaning only permanent employees of UFS can apply.
Job Description
1. General Residence Management
- Oversee daily residence operations and administration
- Maintain records, reports, and databases
- Manage finances and report maintenance issues
- Ensure policies and code of conduct are implemented
2. Student Support & Community Development
- Create a positive, inclusive, and inspiring residence environment
- Promote academic success and student engagement
- Provide mentorship, guidance, and emotional support
- Communicate effectively with students and parents
3. Leadership & Team Development
- Guide and manage the residence committee
- Organize elections and leadership training
- Mentor student leaders and encourage growth
- Support teamwork and collaboration
4. Residence Culture & Student Experience
- Build a strong, diverse, and respectful community
- Support first-year students (FTENs) integration
- Encourage participation in activities and programmes
- Promote values and personal development
5. Discipline & Compliance
- Enforce university rules and policies
- Handle disciplinary issues and conflict resolution
- Work with university structures on serious cases
- Ensure fair and consistent disciplinary processes
6. Student Well-being
- Support students with:
- Academic challenges
- Personal or emotional issues
- Social and health concerns
- Refer students to professional services when needed
Key Responsibilities
- Manage residence operations and administration
- Lead student committees and leadership structures
- Support student well-being and development
- Maintain discipline and compliance
- Build a positive and inclusive residence culture
Requirements & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)
- At least 2 years’ experience in Student Affairs or residence environment
Recommended (Advantageous)
- Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8)
- 3–5 years’ experience
- Knowledge of:
- Student discipline systems
- Residence policies
- Higher education environment
- Skills in mentoring, coaching, and conflict resolution
Key Skills & Competencies
Professional Skills
- Leadership and mentoring
- Administration and organisation
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- MS Office proficiency
Behavioural Competencies
- Adaptability and stress tolerance
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to lead and motivate others
- Team collaboration and relationship-building
Ideal Candidate
Someone who is:
- A strong leader and mentor
- Passionate about student development
- Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities
- Calm under pressure
- Committed to building a safe and inclusive student community
Important Notes
- Only permanent UFS staff can apply
- Applications must be submitted via the official UFS careers site
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Work Environment Insight
Working at the University of the Free State means:
- Being part of a student-centered academic environment
- Playing a key role in student leadership and development
- Working within a structured and policy-driven system