Duties and responsibilities
Strategic Plan Tracking
Coordinate the implementation of Vision 130, the Strategic Plan, and the Annual Performance Plan. Steer strategy, institutional research and operational projects. Monitor the Key Performance Indicators across all portfolios, faculties and divisions.
Executive Decision Support
Produce the University of the Free State’s annual report to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), mid-term review report, and student enrolment plan, which are aligned with the academic risk register. Steer the UFS to a forward-looking strategic institution by leading business intelligence information needs, translating complex institutional data into high-level briefings, providing predictive analytics, trend mapping, and data modelling Facilitate HEMIS data submissions.
Global Benchmarking
Utilise institutional data for global positioning, supporting the university’s internationalisation mandate and rankings. Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies.
Institutional Effectiveness and Optimisation
Lead institutional initiatives that identify operational bottlenecks and resource allocation efficiencies to drive overall institutional effectiveness. Lead the Institutional Project Management Office. Develop and maintain institutional project governance frameworks. Coordinate, monitor and evaluate strategic institutional projects funded through the University's strategic initiatives. Monitor institutional project performance, risks and benefits realisation. Provide executive reports on strategic project implementation.
Institutional Strategy and Planning
Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the University's Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and institutional performance framework. Coordinate institutional planning processes and monitor progress against strategic objectives. Provide strategic advice to Executive Management on institutional performance, organisational effectiveness and strategic initiatives. Lead institutional change management initiatives supporting strategic transformation.
Institutional Research and Business Intelligence
Direct institutional research and policy analysis to support executive decision-making. Develop and maintain an integrated institutional management information and business intelligence environment. Produce executive dashboards, strategic reports and institutional analyses that inform planning, policy development and performance improvement. Promote evidence-based decision-making throughout the University.
Institutional Data Governance and Statutory Reporting
Provide strategic leadership for institutional data governance and data quality management. Oversee HEMIS submissions and all statutory reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training and other regulatory authorities. Ensure compliance with legislative, audit and quality assurance requirements. Develop institutional data policies, standards and governance frameworks.
Enrolment Planning and Performance Monitoring
Lead institutional enrolment planning and student performance analysis. Develop forecasting models and strategic enrolment scenarios. Monitor institutional performance indicators and benchmarking against national and international best practice. Produce the University's Annual Report, Mid-term Review Report and other strategic institutional reports.
Stakeholder Engagement
Develop strategic partnerships with government departments, regulatory authorities, professional bodies, universities and national higher education structures. Represent the University on institutional and national committees relating to planning, institutional research and higher education policy. Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies
Leadership and Directorate Management
Provide strategic leadership to the Directorate. Translate institutional strategy into operational plans and measurable performance outcomes. Lead organisational development, succession planning, talent management and staff development. Manage the Directorate's human, financial and physical resources in accordance with University policies.
Inherent Job Requirements
A relevant Doctoral qualification on NQF Level 10 in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field. A minimum of seven (7) years' experience within the higher education sector. At least five (5) years in a senior strategic leadership role. Experience in institutional strategy development and implementation. Experience in institutional research and higher education policy analysis. Experience in business intelligence and management information systems. Experience in data governance, HEMIS and statutory reporting. Experience in institutional project portfolio management. Executive stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership experience.
Recommendations
A postgraduate qualification in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field. Knowledge of South African higher education policy, funding and quality assurance frameworks. Experience in digital transformation, data analytics and institutional performance management. Experience leading complex organisational change initiatives. Advanced knowledge of business intelligence platforms and data visualisation.
Closing date11 August 2026
How To Apply
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Note: Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
