Senior Director – Legal Services

About the role

The Senior Director of Legal Services will provide strategic leadership and executive legal advice to the university. Reporting to the Registrar, the role ensures sound governance, legal compliance and effective risk management across all university operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Legal Services Unit and develop the university’s legal strategy.
• Oversee governance, statutory compliance and institutional assurance.
• Manage contracts, legal documentation and implement contract management systems.
• Provide executive legal advisory services to senior management and governing bodies.
• Direct litigation, dispute resolution and the student disciplinary process.
• Develop policies and regulatory frameworks for higher education.
• Manage enterprise legal risk, ethics and information governance.
• Responsible for financial management, people leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Law (LLM) – NQF9.
• At least ten years of post‑admission legal experience.
• Minimum five years in a senior management position.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa with right of appearance.
• Extensive experience in higher‑education governance and related legislation.
• Proven track record in litigation, contract law and legal advisory.
• Legal practitioner in good standing with thorough knowledge of applicable legislation.