Dean: Student Affairs (P4)

About the role

The Central University of Technology, Free State is recruiting a Dean: Student Affairs (P4) for its Bloemfontein campus. The role provides leadership to the Student Affairs portfolio and directs and oversees the integrated service operations for students: the Wellness, Governance, Operational Sport and Residence units. The services must meet student needs and align with the University's 2030 strategic vision, policies and procedures. It is a five-year fixed-term appointment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop policies and strategic plans for the section.
• Lead and oversee the Wellness Centre, Operational Sport, Residences and Governance & Student Life units.
• Steward human, financial and infrastructural resources for the section.
• Create a culture of efficiency, effective execution, monitoring and learning.
• Build capacity for data stewardship and knowledge management.
• Represent the section internally and the university externally.

Required profile

• Master's degree (NQF 9 or equivalent) in Social Sciences or Education.
• Eight years of relevant experience, including five in a leadership role, preferably in higher education, with knowledge of student services (Wellness, residence management, sport, student governance).
• Demonstrated experience in strategy, policy and business process development, and in building productive relations between university management and students.
• Understanding of the South African Higher Education Policy framework and the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997.
• Desired: a doctorate (NQF 10) in Social Sciences or Education, ten years of experience and five years in a leadership role in charge of Student Affairs.

Required skills

• Proficiency in computer applications for presentations, data and knowledge management and reporting.
• Intermediate proficiency in Excel and Word.
• Project management, report writing, advanced business communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, facilitation and troubleshooting.

Applications close on 30 October 2026. Remuneration is based on an internal parity model; the minimum total cost to company is R 1 873 216.