Assistant Director (post level 7) Job ID 6418

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Conduct institutional research that supports planning policy formulation and decision-making.
Conduct analysis that improves our understanding of the external context within which the UFS is located (e.g. trends in state funding of higher education policy shifts and matric results).
Process research data into business intelligence by focusing on uniform data definitions analyses and the interpretation of information.
Contribute to research publications.
Manage the administration of all research projects and stakeholder engagements.
Engage in institutional strategic planning efforts contributing to the formulation of the Universitys vision mission and deliverables.
Actively contribute to the Universitys strategic planning and quality assurance processes including monitoring implementation evaluating impact and preparing relevant reports.
Participate in planning and team meetings within MIR and DIRAP.
Contribute to statutory reporting including compilation of the annual report annual performance plan and mid-year reports.
Liaise with relevant external bodies.
Fulfill all responsibilities regarding own performance management.
Assume responsibilities within the department that may arise spontaneously or as needed in line with the Assistant Director-level appointment.

Inherent requirements:
A Masters degree on NQF Level 9 in Higher Education.
A minimum of four (4) years of working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:
A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Higher Education Studies.
A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the South African higher education environment.
Knowledge of university systems policies and procedures.

Required competencies:
Results-Oriented:
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to focus on details work towards perfection and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office programmes specifically Word and Excel.
- In-depth knowledge of the South African higher education environment.
- In-depth knowledge of strategic and operational planning reporting policy and processes.
- Demonstrated statutory reporting skills specifically in terms of preparing submissions to the DHET.
- Demonstrated high-level communication skills including (but not limited to) presentation process facilitation and negotiation.
Leading:
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
- The ability to lead take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:
1 June 2026 or as soon as possible therafter.

Closing date:
17 April 2026

Salary:
The salary scale is available on request.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact me at or email at or Additionally kindly contact / 9813 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.