Dean of Students
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The Dean of Students provides strategic leadership for the University’s student affairs and support services portfolio, advancing a holistic, inclusive and supportive student experience. The incumbent will lead the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Division’s strategy, policies and programmes, aligning these with the University’s teaching and learning priorities and its commitment to student wellbeing, development and success.
Working closely with academic leadership, including College Deans of Teaching and Learning, professional services and student representative structures, the Dean will strengthen the integration of academic and non-academic support throughout the student journey. The role will contribute to student engagement, retention, progression and completion by coordinating responsive support services, monitoring the effectiveness of student support processes, strengthening referral mechanisms and addressing barriers to meaningful participation in university life.
The Dean of Students provides a critical link between the broader functions and operations of the Student Services Division and the academic programme, supporting development in and out of the academic sphere.
Attributes the incumbent will be expected to have include: positive interpersonal skills and the ability to understand the behavior and environment of students, in order to create and engage in civil and respectful working relationships; the ability to communicate effectively with a range of other stakeholders, and draft reports, operating and regulatory documents; problem-solving and decisive decision-making skill, in a complex and pressurized environment.
The incumbent will report to the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Division.
Minimum requirements
- A PhD/Doctoral qualification in an appropriate field;
- Ten (10) years of relevant experience, of which at least five (5) years’ experience must be in a higher education environment;
- At least three (3) years’ senior managerial experience within the higher education sector;
- Evidence of the ability to work with and within collectives, collaborating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders and other team members, in support of student success;
- Evidence of involvement in conflict management and resolution processes and student disciplinary procedures.
The job profile, which contains advantages, leadership credentials and personal attributes for appointment can be obtained from Mr. Nqobizizwe Mthembu on e-mail: MthembuN26@ukzn.ac.za.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 November 2026
Short-listed candidates may be expected to do a presentation on a specific topic.
All applicants are required to apply online on Career Portal, https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php.
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.
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.