CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Division of Student Life and Development is a large and complex division providing a wide range of transformative, excellent, innovative student life, well-being and development-oriented programmes and services to students. The division is headed by the Dean of Students and reports to the Vice Chancellor.

The Dean of Students is an integral part of the University’s leadership and management team and has a co-responsibility in overseeing, driving, and advancing the strategic vision of Nelson Mandela University.

The core purpose of the post of Dean of Students is to provide integrative leadership and direction to the division of Student Life and Development in anticipation of, and response to, unpredictability and complexity occasioned by a rapidly changing political, socio-economic and Higher Education environment.

The incumbent is also expected to be agile and adaptive in facilitating and championing institution-wide systemic and transitional responses to the diverse needs informed by the changing profile of the growing University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Provide transformative, excellent, and innovative leadership and vision by strategically directing, leading and managing the following functions in respect of Student Life and Development:

1. Student Governance and Development
2. Student Housing
3. Student Health Services
4. Madibaz Sport
5. Universal Accessibility and Disability Services
6. Resource Management: People, Finance, Facilities

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Change leadership and transformation
• Well-developed communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Innovative and anticipatory skills
• Collaborative and stakeholder engagement management skills
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• People skills
• Strategic and operational financial budgeting

REQUIREMENTS

Master’s degree.

At least 10 - 15 years relevant experience including management experience.  

All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric assessments. Furthermore, it is expected that all short-listed candidates will:

• Permit to undergo verifications of qualifications, publications, credit records and criminal records as well as any other verification deemed appropriate by the University;
• Deliver a 15-minute presentation, the topic of which will be communicated timeously; and
• Provide details of at least three individuals who can provide professional references.