Executive Director – Legal Services

About the role

The Executive Director of Legal Services will provide strategic leadership and direction for UNISA’s Legal Services Department. Reporting to senior university management, you will ensure that all legal activities align with the institution’s Comprehensive Open Distance e‑Learning (CODeL +) strategy and the UNISA 2030 transformation agenda.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Legal Services team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Develop and implement legal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation for the department.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and university regulations.
• Provide expert legal advice to senior leadership and support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive forecasting, reporting, and risk‑management activities.

Required profile

• LLM degree and admission as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience in a legal services environment.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role.
• PhD is an advantage, especially with higher‑education exposure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex teams and manage change.

Required skills

• Strategic legal planning and policy development.
• Budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Leadership, people management, and process optimisation.

What we offer

• 5‑year fixed‑term contract with competitive remuneration.
• Opportunity to shape legal services at a leading African university.
• Professional development within a dynamic, distance‑learning environment.