Senior Director: DIRSIP (Job ID: 6556)
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP)
- Job Type: Five-year Fixed-Term Performance-Based Contract (with the possibility of reappointment)
- Occupational Level: Senior Management (Post Level 4)
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026 (Please note that the vacancy also mentions 11 August 2026 under the closing date section. Applicants are advised to apply well before either date.)
Job Overview
The University of the Free State (UFS) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Director: Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP). Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in institutional planning, business intelligence, institutional research, strategic analytics, project portfolio management, enrolment planning, and statutory reporting.
This executive leadership role is responsible for driving evidence-based decision-making, organisational effectiveness, and the successful implementation of the University’s Vision 130 strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the implementation and monitoring of the University’s Vision 130 Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
- Monitor institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across faculties and divisions.
- Produce executive reports, including the University’s Annual Report, Mid-term Review Report, DHET submissions, and Student Enrolment Plan.
- Lead institutional research, business intelligence, predictive analytics, and strategic reporting.
- Oversee HEMIS submissions and statutory reporting to regulatory authorities.
- Manage institutional data governance and ensure data quality.
- Lead institutional project portfolio management and governance frameworks.
- Coordinate strategic planning, organisational performance monitoring, and institutional effectiveness initiatives.
- Develop executive dashboards and strategic analyses to support decision-making.
- Lead enrolment planning, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
- Represent the University on national committees and build strategic partnerships with government departments, higher education institutions, and regulatory bodies.
- Provide strategic leadership, financial management, talent development, and succession planning within the Directorate.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10) in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
- At least 7 years’ experience within the higher education sector.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior strategic leadership role.
- Experience in institutional strategy development and implementation.
- Experience in institutional research and higher education policy analysis.
- Experience with business intelligence and management information systems.
- Experience in data governance, HEMIS, and statutory reporting.
- Experience managing institutional project portfolios.
- Executive-level stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership experience.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
- Knowledge of South African higher education policy, funding, and quality assurance frameworks.
- Experience in digital transformation and institutional performance management.
- Experience leading large-scale organisational change initiatives.
- Advanced knowledge of business intelligence platforms and data visualisation tools.
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership and organisational management.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong project and performance management abilities.
- Advanced business intelligence and data analysis capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong decision-making and governance expertise.
- Financial and resource management skills.
- Ability to lead organisational transformation and innovation.
Contract Term
- Five-year fixed-term performance-based contract
- Possibility of reappointment based on performance and institutional requirements.
Expected Start Date: 01 October 2026.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Available upon request.
Benefits may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Annual leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits (subject to University conditions)
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications (where applicable).
- South African ID or passport.
- Proof of current or most recent employment (appointment letter, service certificate, employment contract, or recent payslip for external applicants).
Incomplete applications will not be considered