“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.
For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO
Job Purpose:
To provide strategic leadership, governance, operational oversight, and developmental direction for Student Accommodation and Residence Life across the University. The role is responsible for ensuring the provision of safe, inclusive, student-centred, and academically supportive residential environments that promote holistic student development, student success, wellness, transformation, and social cohesion within university residences and accredited off-campus accommodation. The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of integrated student accommodation and residence life strategies aligned to the University’s strategic goals, student experience agenda, transformation imperatives, and legislative requirements.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Governance
- 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.
Student Accommodation Management
- 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.
Residence Life and Student Development
- 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.
Financial and resource management, risk, safety, and compliance
- 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.
