Senior Assistant Officer: Residence Life and College Communities x1
- Position: Senior Assistant Officer: Residence Life and College Communities
- Job ID: 6472
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Housing and Residence Affairs – Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 12 June 2026
Purpose of the Position
To provide comprehensive administrative, financial, operational, marketing, and logistical support to the Residence Life and College Communities division, ensuring the effective management of student residence programmes, off-campus student engagement, training activities, and departmental processes.
Key Responsibilities
1. General Administration
- Provide administrative support to Residence Life staff.
- Manage correspondence, enquiries, telephone calls, and records.
- Coordinate meetings, events, and programmes.
- Prepare agendas, reports, documents, and communications.
- Take minutes during meetings.
- Maintain filing systems and databases.
- Update annual manuals, policies, annexures, and guidelines.
- Manage the Assistant Director’s diary and follow-up systems.
- Liaise with university departments, service providers, and community partners.
2. Financial Administration
- Allocate funds according to approved budgets.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations.
- Process requisitions and purchase orders.
- Manage supplier documentation and invoice submissions.
- Coordinate travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Compile and submit monthly financial reports.
3. Human Resources and Process Administration
- Maintain leave records.
- Design and prepare vacancy advertisements.
- Coordinate shortlisting and interview arrangements.
- Assist with new appointments and contract administration.
- Maintain and update Residence Committee databases.
4. Off-Campus Student Administration
- Liaise with off-campus student structures and accommodation providers.
- Allocate student houses to day residences.
- Maintain off-campus student databases.
- Share information on student development programmes, events, and co-curricular activities.
5. Marketing and Website Administration
- Develop marketing materials for Residence Life events and programmes.
- Assist with website administration and content updates.
- Support the organisation of First-Year Welcoming programmes and Open Day activities.
6. Training and Development Support
- Coordinate training logistics, including venues and catering.
- Arrange training evaluations.
- Distribute evaluations, questionnaires, and certificates.
- Support training activities across all three university campuses.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech Degree, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Office Management
- Administration
- Or a closely related field
- Minimum 1 year relevant administrative experience related to the duties of the position.
Added Advantages
- Experience in a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Administrative Skills
- Excellent record keeping and organisation.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Database and website administration experience.
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
Personal Attributes
- Adaptability and reliability.
- Strong planning and coordination abilities.
- Ability to work under supervision while taking initiative.
- Professionalism and customer-service orientation.
Salary and Benefits
Annual Package:
R403,692.54 – R506,869.63 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience)
Benefits Include:
- Pension fund
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Annual leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits