Director: Student Support Systems

About the role

The Director: Student Support Systems provides strategic leadership, governance and oversight of the University's student administrative systems, ensuring they are selected, used and optimised to support the academic mission. The role covers setting up structures for identifying, evaluating and delivering system improvements, enabling high-quality service delivery, aligning with institutional priorities and stakeholder needs, and leading student systems strategy, policy and practice. It is based in the Office of the Registrar in Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic planning and leadership for student administrative and user support software and processes
• Lead the development and implementation of policies, frameworks and standards for the governance of student systems and administration, and continuously optimise systems capability, usage, business processes and enablement
• Identify and manage system and functional enhancements, ensuring support and service delivery match agreed priorities and timelines
• Lead committees and working groups of stakeholders to ensure effective governance and decision-making
• Monitor delivery performance and drive resolution of issues and risks through the appropriate structures
• Resolve complex stakeholder issues and manage competing priorities
• Identify, assess and manage strategic and operational risks within student system and support functions
• Recruit, develop and manage a high-performing team, develop and manage budgets, and build strong relationships across the University

Required profile

• NQF level 8 qualification in Information Systems Management, Education / Higher Education Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Project / Programme Management
• 10 years' experience in university student or academic administration or a related environment
• At least 5 years in a senior management role with responsibility for strategic leadership and governance
• Demonstrated experience in student systems, administrative systems or enterprise systems environments
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working with diverse stakeholder groups at an institutional level
• Experience in programme or project governance and oversight
• Proven track record in leading, managing and developing high-performing teams
• Advantageous: a postgraduate qualification, experience implementing administrative systems for student-centred service provision, and experience within a higher education environment

Annual employment cost, including benefits where applicable, is between R1 375 821 and R1 618 612. Applications are submitted online through the University of Cape Town jobs site with a cover letter, CV and three referees; shortlisted candidates may face competency assessments. The closing date is 15 November 2026.