Senior Director – Institutional Research & Strategic Planning

About the role

The University of the Free State seeks a visionary Senior Director to lead its Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP). Reporting to the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor, the role provides strategic leadership for planning, analytics, statutory reporting and project portfolio management.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation of Vision 130, the Strategic Plan and the Annual Performance Plan.
• Steer strategy, institutional research and operational projects across faculties and divisions.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators and produce the university’s annual DHET report, mid‑term review and enrolment plan.
• Lead business intelligence initiatives, delivering predictive analytics, trend mapping and data modelling for executive decision‑making.
• Manage global benchmarking data for international rankings and support the university’s internationalisation mandate.
• Identify operational bottlenecks, drive resource‑allocation efficiencies and oversee the Institutional Project Management Office.
• Develop and maintain project governance frameworks, monitor project performance, risks and benefits, and provide executive reports.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in higher‑education planning, institutional research or strategic analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large‑scale projects and deliver evidence‑based decision support.
• Strong understanding of statutory reporting requirements and university governance.

Required skills

What we offer

• Five‑year fixed‑term contract with the possibility of reappointment.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a leading South African university.