Registrar - University of Cape Town

About the role

The University of Cape Town invites applications for a permanent Registrar position, commencing on 1 March 2027. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar is a senior executive who acts as Secretary to Council, Senate and Convocation and advises these statutory bodies on governance and policy. The role covers academic administration, legal services, institutional records, student systems support, information governance, data privacy and compliance with legislation, the UCT Statute and Council policies.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and executive leadership for the Office of the Registrar and contribute to the University's governance and strategic direction.
• Serve as Secretary to Council, Senate and Convocation, ensuring they are properly constituted, supported and advised.
• Advise on the Higher Education Act, UCT Statute, policies and rules, and safeguard the integrity of governance processes.
• Oversee legal services, legal compliance and the exercise of delegated legal authority.
• Lead academic administration: recruitment, admissions, registration, examinations, certification, graduations, student records, handbooks and student systems.
• Protect the integrity of the academic record and ensure accurate certification and statutory reporting, including HEMIS returns.
• Lead compliance, information governance and data privacy, and develop a professional team with performance management and staff development.
• Manage financial and resource stewardship, including planning, budgeting, procurement and expenditure.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the University externally when required.
• Exercise independent judgement in areas such as academic administration, legal proceedings, contracts, grievance and dismissal appeals and whistle-blower matters.

Required profile

• NQF Level 9 qualification (Master's degree) in Law, Higher Education, Public Administration, Governance, Business Administration, Management or a related discipline.
• A relevant doctorate or admitted attorney status is advantageous.
• At least 10 years' recent, relevant experience in a complex higher education environment, including senior leadership in academic administration, university governance and/or legal and regulatory affairs, with strategy, institutional leadership and change management.
• Demonstrated senior leadership, integrity and sound judgement.

Required skills

• Strategic, conceptual and systems thinking, and detailed knowledge of higher-education legislation, governance frameworks and policies.
• Strategic oversight of financial, resource and risk management.
• Knowledge of HEMIS reporting requirements.

Applications are submitted online through the UCT Jobs site, with a motivation letter addressing the stated criteria attached to the profile.