The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is a comprehensive South African university committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, community engagement, and transformation. As a dynamic institution serving local, national, and international communities, the University seeks to appoint a visionary and experienced leader to the position of Registrar.
The Position:
The University Registrar is the Chief Administrative Officer of the University and serves as a key member of the Executive Management Committee. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the Registrar provides strategic leadership in governance, compliance, academic administration, student administration, and institutional operations.
As a statutory officer of the University, the Registrar serves as Secretary to the Council, Senate, and Convocation, ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of institutional decision-making processes. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in advancing the University's strategic objectives while ensuring adherence to legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements applicable to higher education institutions.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Governance, Compliance and Secretariat Services
- Serve as Secretary to the Council, Senate, Convocation, and other governance structures as required.
- Provide strategic governance advice and support to the Council, Vice-Chancellor, Executive Management, and institutional committees.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including but not limited to the Higher Education Act, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), King IV principles, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Oversee institutional governance systems, policy management, records management, risk mitigation, and compliance monitoring.
- Ensure the effective administration of governance processes and statutory reporting obligations.
2. Academic Administration and Student Life cycle Management
- Provide strategic oversight of academic administration and student records management.
- Ensure the integrity and efficiency of the student life cycle from admission and registration through to graduation.
- Oversee admissions, registration, examinations, certification, graduation, and academic records processes.
- Ensure compliance with academic regulations, institutional policies, and quality assurance requirements.
- Drive the modernisation and digital transformation of academic administrative systems and services.
3. Student Affairs and Campus Services
- Provide executive oversight of student governance, student wellbeing, residence administration, student discipline, student development, and campus life programmes.
- Support the development of an enabling student experience that promotes academic success, inclusivity, wellness, and student engagement.
- Strengthen student support services, including health, counselling, sports, recreation, and leadership development initiatives.
4. Stakeholder and Sector Engagement
- Represent the University in national and sectoral higher education forums and professional bodies.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with external stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Universities South Africa (USAf), and other regulatory and statutory bodies.
- Promote collaborative partnerships that support institutional sustainability and strategic objectives.
5. Leadership, Financial and Resource Management
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to multiple administrative and support portfolios reporting to the Registrar's Division.
- Ensure effective financial stewardship, budget management, and resource allocation within the division.
- Lead organisational performance, workforce planning, talent development, and succession management initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Applicants must possess:
- An LLB degree and a Master's Degree (NQF Level 9) in a relevant discipline.
- A minimum of ten (10) years' relevant experience within the higher education sector.
- At least five (5) years' experience at a senior management level.
- Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
- University governance;
- Academic administration;
- Student administration and affairs;
- Institutional compliance and regulatory management.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the South African higher education legislative and regulatory environment.
- Proven experience in strategic leadership, institutional governance, and stakeholder management.
Preference may be given to candidates who possess:
- A Doctoral qualification (NQF Level 10).
- Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
- Previous experience as a Registrar, Deputy Registrar, or in an equivalent executive leadership role within higher education.
- Experience serving governance structures such as Councils, Senates, and Board Committees.
- A demonstrated track record in leading institutional transformation and organisational change initiatives.
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strategic and systems thinking capability.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
- Sound governance, compliance, and risk management expertise.
- Strong legal interpretation, policy development, and advisory skills.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- The ability to operate effectively within a complex and dynamic higher education environment.
Employment Equity
The University of Venda is committed to employment equity and transformation. Applications from suitably qualified candidates from designated groups are encouraged.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.
