Senior Director
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (AUCKLAND CAMPUS)
DIVISION: GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
POSITION: SENIOR DIRECTOR
POST LEVEL: P4
VACANCY: PERMANENT
Introduction: The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategic Plan 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability,
Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future”
Job Description:
The University seeks to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader of high professional and academic standing as Senior Director: Global Engagement, reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation. The Senior Director will provide strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Global Engagement Division (Division). The Executive Senior Director must effectively and collegially steward the Division to excel in all aspects related to global engagement while overseeing the following sub-divisions: International student recruitment, admissions and marketing, study abroad, academic services, international fundraising and administration, international public relations and communications.
The Senior Director: Global Engagement plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s global engagements, inter-national branding and marketing, fostering a diverse and inclusive international community, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. This portfolio contributes to the university’s international reputation and its ability to prepare students for a globally interconnected world. The main purpose of the role of the Senior Director: Global Engagement is to promote global excellence and stature by providing strategic and operational leadership to the portfolio of global engagement. Further, it is to determine, articulate, implement, and lead strategic and operational initiatives in accordance with the University’s
Strategic Plan.
The Senior Director will be expected to: • Provide visionary leadership to advance the university’s global engagement initiatives. • Develop and implement a comprehensive global engagement strategy that aligns with the university’s strategic plan 2035. • Plan, lead and implement international academic and external stakeholder engagements and delegations.• Ensure academic and diplomatic protocol is followed in all external stakeholder relations. • Manage the administrative aspects of global engagement including budgets, grants management, and compliance with international laws. • Target recruitment and nurture talented scholars and students with a focus on Africa as well as the globe. • Develop appropriate marketing strategies, and actively drive marketing for international branding, rankings, recruitment and funding. • Drive and develop strategies for fundraising and third-stream income generation to enhance and sustain the internationalisation pro-gramme of the university. • Identify and pursue external research funding opportunities from international funding sources, collaborators, partners, government funders and philanthropic support. • Comprehensively respond to internationalisation-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports • Assist the Registrar and Executive Deans in the provision of the relevant academic administrative support for international students. • In partnership with the faculties, institutes and research centres, drive and/or support initiatives to realise the University’s Strategic Plans. • Develop, update, articulate and implement institutional global engagement strategies. • Oversee services and support for international students, including admissions, visa assistance, orientation, and cultural integration. • Drive the portrayal and marketing to the rest of the world through the use of its marketing materials, media works, publishing and research outputs • Ensure compliance with international regulations, immigration policies, and legal requirements related to international students and activities • Ensure the effective, responsible, and efficient management and utilisation of the division’s finances and resources. • Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with international universities, institutions, and organisations. • Oversee and implement innovative staff development and management initiatives, including retention and recruitment. • Ensure a collegial and supportive working environment.
Minimum Requirements: • A PhD Degree (NQF 10), or equivalent. • Substantive and acknowledged academic stature. • Senior executive management experience (at least 10 years) at an academic institution and/or within a division of a significant size and complexity. • Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector – nationally, regionally and internationally. • Knowledge of international regulations, immigration policies, and best practices in higher education internationalisation. • Established and valuable international networks paired with outstanding stewardship, diplomatic, effective, and efficient communication skills to leverage local, Pan-African, and global networks. • Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally. • Demonstrated experience in fundraising external to the University environment. • Ability to manage the portfolio’s finances and resources effectively and efficiently. • Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment. mentorship and development. • The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio. • Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.
Competencies (Technical Skills and Behavioural Attributes) required • The ability to professionally manage, motivate and display individual leadership qualities. • A self-driven leader, with an understanding of protocol and an international ambassador. • The ability to ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning. • The ability to develop and maintain good networks. • Demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. • The ability to promote, sustain excellence and manage risks within the portfolio. • Ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively. • Exceptional communication skills. • Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion, and constructive interpersonal skills. • An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and its impact on higher education and society. • Understanding and commitment to the University’s values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.
Recommendation: • Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association. • Experience in a University or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level. • Experience in process modernisation and transformation.
Terms of appointment:
• The position of Senior Director, which is subject to a compulsory probation period of 12 months, is a permanent appointment, with remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Retirement Age:
• The normal retirement age for members of the Senior Leadership Group is 65.
Application:
• To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.
Applications should be submitted via the UJ website: https://jobs.uj.ac.za/ or e-mailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe – [email protected]
Closing Date: 9 November 2025