Senior Director

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 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”

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG AUCKLAND PARK KINGSWAY CAMPUS

SENIOR DIRECTOR: UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

(5-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)

Job description:

 The Senior Director reports to the Senior Executive Director. The role serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Group and is critical in maintaining strategic relationships,  developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that foster and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders in government entities, media channels, industry leaders, and other key influencers. This role is pivotal in ensuring  that the university’s voice is effectively represented in public discourse and that it maintains a positive relationship with its key stakeholders.

The University is seeking to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic leader who will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive University Relations strategy that aligns with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic
• Advise the university’s senior leadership on public relations and communication issues, providing expert counsel on potential impacts to the university’s
• Ensure the division remains at the forefront of media and technological advancements to maintain competitive and innovative broadcasting
• Build and maintain robust partnerships with key government bodies, higher education industry partners, and non-profit organisations to advocate for policies and initiatives that support higher education
• Oversee the university’s community engagement efforts, fostering positive relationships with community leaders, local organisations, and government entities
• Develop and implement a proactive strategic communications strategy to generate positive coverage of the university’s activities, achievements, and
• Ensure the UJ Broadcasting unit adheres to regulatory and legal requirements relevant to broadcasting, including copyright, intellectual property rights, and industry
• Ensure consistent application of the university’s branding guidelines across all communications, promotional materials, and digital platforms
• Oversee internal communication efforts to ensure that staff members and students are informed about institutional developments, strategic priorities, and important events
• Manage talent within the division and ensure talent management strategies (attraction, retention, development) are implemented.
• Build and foster a culture of good governance, customer service, honesty, integrity and world-class delivery in the division.

Minimum requirements

• Substantive academic stature, relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) as a minimum academic qualification.
• At least ten (10) years of proven experience in strategic public relations, stakeholder relations, communication, or
• At least seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in a higher education
• Proven stakeholder management
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful public relations
• Strong government and community

Recommendations:

• Strong experience in media and government
• Understanding of South African:

Terms of appointment

The position of Senior Director: University Relations, which is subject to a compulsory probation period of 12 months, is a 5-year contract appointment with an executive-level remuneration

and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further term of office, subject to performance.

Retirement Age:

The normal retirement age for members of the Senior Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term.

Application:

To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and 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]