Academic Strategy and Operations Officer

The Academic Strategy and Operations Officer is responsible for executing strategic academic projects implementing and managing key academic operational services and overseeing administrative and operational functions within the Office of the Chief Academic Officer. The role also provides support to the Head of Student Support the Admissions Department and the Quality Assurance Unit.

This position is critical in supporting the Academic Services Leadership Team ensuring compliance with academic regulations maintaining data integrity managing academic databases and providing secretariat services for select academic committees. The role requires a detailed understanding of higher education operations coupled with a solution-focused and problem-solving approach.

The Academic Strategy and Operations Officer also acts as a liaison for internal and external stakeholders ensuring effective communication and resolution of academic queries. The role manages community engagement efforts and assists with regulatory investigations and complaints ensuring strict adherence to institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Academic Project Management (20%)

Execute special academic projects as directed by the CAO or CEO ensuring alignment with strategic academic goals.

Manage implement and oversee academic services projects requiring cross-departmental collaboration.

Serve on select committees such as the Cancellations committee ensuring operational decisions align with institutional policies and admissions criteria.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Investigations (20%)

Support internal and external investigations ensuring compliance with legal regulatory and institutional frameworks.

Assist with handling complaints related to academic services and operations.

Verify qualifications for external organizations ensuring accuracy and integrity of documentation.

3. Data management and Integrity (20%)

Maintain academic databases and records ensuring data integrity accessibility and compliance with regulatory standards.

Ensure that all academic information is accurate up-to-date and aligned with institutional and regulatory requirements.

4. Administrative and Secretariat Support (10%)

Provide administrative support to the CAO and the Dean of Student Experience and Academic Support including managing the CAOs diary preparation of agendas minutes and follow-up actions.

Serve as secretariat for select academic committees managing logistics documentation and communication.

Prepare and distribute reports research and documentation as required for leadership and committee purposes.

5. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement (5%)

Act as a liaison between academic leadership staff and external stakeholders ensuring clear and timely communication.

Respond to and escalate academic queries as needed ensuring effective resolution.

Disseminate key academic information to internal and external audiences through appropriate channels.

6. Community Engagement and Outreach (5%)

Support community engagement initiatives and projects that strengthen the institutions academic profile.

Facilitate partnerships and collaborations that enhance academic services and regulatory compliance.

7. Compliance and Quality Assurance (5%)

Assist in developing and implementing policies procedures and standards of practice across academic operations.

Ensure institutional compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.

Support preparations for audits regulatory reviews and inspections ensuring documentation and processes meet required standards.

8. Ad-Hoc Duties (5%)

Perform additional tasks and responsibilities assigned by the CAO supporting overall academic operations.

Requirements

Key Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Education Administration Law or a related field.

Minimum of 13 years experience in academic administration operations management or a similar role.

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Familiarity with higher education regulatory frameworks in South Africa such as DHET CHE and QCTO.

Excellent communication organizational and data management skills.

Experience managing complex academic databases and ensuring data accuracy.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Experience providing administrative support and managing high-level meetings or committees.

Key Competencies

Leadership

Ability to lead academic projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Attention to Detail

Strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in managing data and documentation.

Communication

Clear professional written and verbal communication skills.

Problem-Solving

Ability to handle and resolve academic queries and operational issues efficiently.

Adaptability

Flexibility in responding to shifting priorities and ad-hoc requests from leadership.