University of KwaZulu-Natal | View - Executive Director: Student Services Five (5) Year Fixed-Term Appointment

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Westville

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is situated in the subtropical seaside city of Durban and in the Midlands city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The University is one of the largest residential universities in sub-Saharan Africa and is located on five campuses - Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, Howard College, Westville, and the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. UKZN was formed out of a merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal on 1 January 2004 and is one of the leading research-intensive and teaching universities in South Africa and on the continent. As one of South Africa’s pre-eminent research institutions, the University provides a dynamic environment for all facets of research and innovation, covering the spectrum of the natural, biomedical, and social sciences as well as the humanities. The University is structured on a College model with four Colleges, namely: • Agriculture, Engineering, and Science; • Health Sciences; • Humanities, as well as • Law and Management Studies. Noting that all Colleges have a presence on at least three of the University’s five campuses. UKZN offers approximately 2000 academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with some 45 000 students and approximately 4000 staff members.

Job description

The current context of Higher Education in South Africa is seeing an increasing focus on the student voice, with funding pressures and competition at a new level. Demonstrating the value of a particular university’s degree and overall offering is becoming increasingly critical. In response to this, the University has developed a strategic approach to handling the entire student life cycle that is building on its strengths and positioning it as a leader in the sector. The role of Executive Director (Student Services) will be to oversee the full student life cycle at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, leading on relevant areas including the whole of the student pastoral journey, including student residential life, extracurricular engagement, and student innovations

The Executive Director (Student Services):
• manages the administration of the Directorate of Students Services (SSD) for the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
• serves as an advocate for students, and
• shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that promote student success, and wellbeing.

The incumbent is a full member of the senior leadership team, serves on the Executive Management Committee, and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. With other members of the Executive Management Committee, the Executive Director- Student Services will lead the creation of a culture of learning and engagement for UKZN students by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promote students' academic and personal success, thereby increasing UKZN student employability.

Minimum requirements

• A Master's Degree in a Discipline that is recognised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Fifteen (15) years of relevant and appropriate experience, of which eight (8) need to have been at a Senior management level.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of student funding, financial aid,
• Student discipline, student accommodation, and student wellness programmes.
• Experience of interaction with student governance in higher education and an
• Understanding of student culture in a transforming institution.

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
The incumbent must be an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities who is an
institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the Colleges and
Professional Services Sector involving staff across the institution and with stakeholders.
In addition, s/he would be expected to have:
• the ability to inspire and motivate;
• proven capabilities as a team leader;
• good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• outstanding written and oral communication skills for written work, public relations, networking, and team building;
• the ability to make considered, well-balanced and reasoned decisions;
• an inclusive and collegial management style;
• the ability to represent the University at formal events and meetings with outside bodies and to establish relationships with stakeholders;
• the ability to understand developments in the Higher Education arena, both nationally and internationally, and a high regard for learning and teaching practices, scholarship, and research.
• The ability to communicate in IsiZulu would be advantageous.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicants are required to provide:
• a detailed motivation highlighting experience in each of the requirements listed above
• a detailed CV

PLEASE NOTE THAT:

A job profile is available upon request
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
The University is committed to Employment Equity.
The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.