Director (P5) (Student Affairs Division: Student Accommodation & Residence Life)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
- Develop and implement the strategic vision, policies, frameworks, and operational plans for Student Accommodation and Residence Life.
- Align residence life programmes and accommodation services with institutional strategy, student success objectives, and transformation agenda.
- Provide leadership on governance, compliance, risk management, and quality assurance within residences and accredited accommodation.
- Lead strategic projects related to student housing growth, infrastructure planning, and accommodation sustainability.
- Oversee the effective management of university-owned residences and accredited private accommodation.
- Ensure equitable placement, allocation, and administration of student accommodation.
- Monitor residence occupancy, accreditation standards, facilities management, and service delivery.
- Manage relationships with accommodation partners, landlords, and external stakeholders.
- Lead the implementation of residence life programmes that promote academic excellence, leadership development, diversity, wellness, social integration, and student engagement.
- Strengthen living-learning communities and student leadership structures within residences.
- Promote student discipline, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and social cohesion initiatives.
- Facilitate student support interventions in collaboration with relevant university departments.
- Ensure efficient utilisation of resources and cost-effective operations.
- Oversee contractual agreements, service-level agreements, and vendor performance.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, institutional policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory frameworks.
- Lead crisis management, emergency response coordination, and student safety initiatives within residences.
- Identify and mitigate operational, reputational, and student welfare risks.
Minimum requirements
- Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Public Administration, Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8–10 years’ relevant experience in student accommodation, residence life, or higher education administration.
- At least 5 years’ experience at senior management or leadership role.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder management.
- Knowledge of higher education legislation, governance frameworks, and student development practices.
- Proven strong financial management, operational management, and leadership capabilities.
- Doctoral qualification in a relevant field.
- Experience in facilities management, including the coordination, maintenance, and operation of buildings, infrastructure, and support services.
- Experience in large-scale student housing operations.
- Experience in public-private partnership accommodation models.
- Registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable, an added advantage.
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Change management
- Emotional intelligence
- Higher education and student affairs knowledge
- Residence life and student development expertise
- Professionalism and integrity
- Student-centred approach
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Innovation and adaptability
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.