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Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture (N001224)

Listing reference: nwu_003663
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 15 August 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Mafikeng - Capital City
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
About our company
NWU
Introduction
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The key purpose of this role is to shape and enhance the University's staff and student experience, leading transformative initiatives to build an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment. The DVC: Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture plays a vital role in advancing NWU’s strategic transformation agenda by driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, access, and redress, aligning these efforts with institutional strategy. This role oversees Student Life, encompassing Student Health, Wellness, Sports, and Leadership programs, to foster a vibrant campus culture. The role also oversees Mahikeng Campus operations. Additionally, as an executive leader, the DVC partners with the Vice-Chancellor to cultivate a cohesive and thriving NWU community, ensuring that the University's mission and transformation imperatives are actively supported and realised.
Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Strategy Development and Execution 
  • Co-ordinate the Development and execution of a comprehensive, medium to long-term strategy for the portfolio that aligns with the University’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
  • Develop and implement a strategic vision for people and culture and student life that aligns with the University’s mission and enhances student and staff engagement and well-being.
  • Design and promote a strategic framework for embedding NWU's core values across all student life and staff aspects, including residence life, wellness, recreation, cultural activities, and student governance and culture interventions.
  • Actively contribute to the university’s strategic decision-making at senior leadership levels, serving as a key advisor and participant in governance structures, including the University Council, Senate, Executive Management, and other relevant committees, to ensure financial considerations are integrated into institutional strategies.
  • Lead the portfolio with a clear strategic vision, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission, and promoting efficiency, good governance, and compliance.
  • Drive innovation through digitisation and process optimisation, improving service delivery.
  • Proactively identify, assess, and prioritise potential risks, and develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and risk abatement plans to minimise impact and ensure business continuity.
People and Culture
  • Oversee the development of a People and Culture strategic plan, policies and practices that are aligned with strategy and conform to regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and implement strategies that align People and Culture initiatives with the University’s overall mission and transformation goals, ensuring an inclusive and positive work environment for all staff.
  • Oversee recruitment, talent development, and succession planning efforts to attract, retain, and grow a diverse and skilled workforce aligned with NWU’s strategic objectives.
  • Provide transformational leadership for People and Culture ensuring the University attracts, develops, and retains high-quality staff, fostering a productive and engaged workforce that supports the institution's mission and strategic goals.
  • Lead cultural transformation efforts to foster a supportive and equitable workplace, focusing on diversity, equity, and access across all levels of the institution.
  • Champion inclusive leadership practices across the University, empowering leaders and managers to cultivate a culture of belonging, respect, and accountability.
  • Ensure that People and Culture policies, procedures, and practices comply with legal requirements and reflect the University’s values, supporting a fair and ethical work environment.
  • Drive the entrenchment of robust performance management systems, encouraging continuous improvement and supporting the achievement of institutional goals.
  • Lead strategies for efficient and efficient human resources administration and digitisation of People and Culture practices.
  • Identify and manage risks related to workforce compliance, employee relations, and organisational culture, implementing strategies to mitigate potential risks.
  • Shape and elevate the staff experience by promoting well-being, professional development, and engagement initiatives that support both personal growth and institutional success.
  • Oversee the implementation of employment equity plans, supporting the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and legal compliance.
Transformation
  • Oversee the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives aligned with the University’s strategy and transformation goals.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive diversity strategy that promotes a diverse student and staff body.
  • Drive initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within student governance and life, ensuring that transformation goals are embedded in student programs and experiences.
  • Develop and oversee strategies to increase access to higher education for underrepresented and marginalised groups.
  • Coordinate with other university leaders to integrate transformation efforts with academic and administrative priorities.
  • Oversee the allocation of resources to support transformation goals, ensuring that funding and support are directed towards initiatives that enhance diversity, access, and equity.
  • Lead efforts to improve the overall student experience, ensuring that it is inclusive, supportive, and enriching.
Student Life, Arts and Sport
  • Co-ordinate the development and implementation of strategies that enhance the overall student experience, promoting a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging campus life that aligns with NWU’s mission and values.
  • Oversee the implementation of a distinct and vibrant NWU student culture through the development of strategies and processes to drive unity, diversity, social cohesion, and social justice.
  • Oversee and support Student Leadership Academy and Institutional Leadership development for Student Leaders. Lead initiatives that develop student leadership skills, including training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, preparing students for future leadership roles within and beyond the University.
  • Promote a positive and inclusive student culture that celebrates diversity and encourages students to express their identities within a respectful and supportive environment.
  • Provide guidance and support to student governance bodies, including the Student Representative Council (SRC), ensuring effective student representation and fostering a collaborative relationship between students and University leadership.
  • Establish mechanisms to regularly review how NWU values are integrated into student activities and services.
  • Foster a vibrant campus community through the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and student advocacy.
  • Lead the creation of systems and processes for addressing student issues and concerns, ensuring effective resolution and improvements to student services.
  • Develop a strategic vision for student reception and orientation programs that supports a seamless transition from home and school to university life.
  • Provide strategic guidance and support for the growth and sustainability of student-led media platforms, including campus radio, magazines, blogs, and social media, ensuring they align with university values and foster a sense of community and engagement.
  • Oversee the expansion of initiatives that enhance leadership and skill-building opportunities for students involved in arts and media, encouraging active student participation and talent development in alignment with the institution’s strategic goals.
  • Lead the design and execution of programs that promote student engagement in the arts and media, fostering a vibrant campus culture and supporting the holistic development of students.
  • Ensure the development of a comprehensive communication plan that facilitates transparency, providing students with clear information on institutional changes and fostering an open feedback environment to inform decision-making.
  • Develop and implement holistic health and wellness strategies that support students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, ensuring these initiatives align with the University’s overall mission.
  • Develop and lead the execution of a strategic vision for comprehensive student wellness that includes proactive counselling, personal development, and health promotion services.
  • Design and lead strategic initiatives aimed at the early identification and support of at-risk students.
  • Ensure the availability of comprehensive health services, including medical clinics, preventative care, and health education programs, to support students' physical well-being.
  • Lead the development of a strategic plan for student sports and recreation programs that supports participation in both recreational and competitive sports.
  • Actively promote student involvement in wellness and sports activities, emphasizing the benefits of a balanced lifestyle for personal and academic success.
  • Strategically foster and expand collaborative partnerships with external organisations, donors, and community groups to enhance resources for student health, welfare, and sports management.
  • Oversee the strategic allocation of resources to ensure optimal support for student programs and initiatives, maximising the impact of available resources.
  • Establish and implement strategic metrics to assess the impact of student welfare and sports programs on student health outcomes and overall well-being.
Stakeholder Partnerships
  • Collaborate with other senior leaders and departments to ensure that transformation strategies are aligned with the institution’s overall mission and strategic goals.
  • Engage with key stakeholders, including Executive Deans, faculty, and administrative leaders, to ensure that policies and strategies within the scope of the role are inclusive, well-informed, and reflective of the needs of the academic community.
  • Work closely with student government and other student organisations to gather input on student experience and needs.
  • Create forums for open dialogue with students, staff and key stakeholders to discuss issues related to historical inequities and collaboratively develop redress initiatives in line with the University’s transformation imperatives.
Resource Management and Optimisation
  • Lead the strategic planning and allocation of financial and human resources within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with university goals and priorities.
  • Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the division’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and optimal use of resources.
  • Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the portfolio through effective financial planning, risk management, and the mobilisation of additional resources.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in all resource management activities, maintaining transparency and integrity.
  • Processes and systems design, utilisation, effectiveness and efficiency.
Campus Director (Assigned Campus)
  • Provide strategic leadership and manage operational effectiveness on the assigned campus, ensuring alignment with the overall mission and vision of the University.
  • Inclusive of the following KPAs that fall under the Campus Chief Director 
  • Facilities and Infrastructure Optimisation 
  • Protection Services and Security Management 
  • Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Optimisation 
  • Operations, Digital & AI 
 
 

Minimum requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • A PhD in a field related to any one or more of the key result areas will be advantageous (NQF level 10).
  • A minimum of ten (10) years’ overall operational/specialist experience of which seven (7) years should be on senior management level in a higher education environment.                                     
KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
  • Strategic and visionary leadership.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-making skills.
  • Strategic Financial, Risk, and Corporate Performance Management.
  • Build strategic alliances and partnerships.
  • People management with the ability to inspire, mobilise and empower people of diverse backgrounds to larger scale transformation or innovation.
  • Management of transformation and change.
  • Has demonstrated experience in strategic thinking and operationalizing such thinking into plans and projects.
  • Understanding of policy changes and developments in the higher education arena in SA.
  • In-depth understanding of the operations and affairs of a university environment.
  • Relevant experience in student affairs and student governance.
  • Experience in addressing manifestations of inequality in South African society and within South African universities.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of other dimensions of inequality and discrimination including race, gender, sexuality and disability.
  • Proficient in using modern office software, digital tools, and online platforms to enhance productivity and efficiency in daily tasks and decision-making.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
 
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                    Prof Marlene Verhoef on 018 299 2611
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:   Mr Esrom Phungo on 018 299 4818
CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                   15 August 2025
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                        As soon as possible
 
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
 
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
 
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
 
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