Job Description

The Director: Housing and Residence Affairs (HRA) provides the strategic vision and leadership for and oversees the planning and operational management of the Housing and Residence Affairs Department in line with the Universitys Vision 130. The director will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to create and maintain dynamic, diverse and safe living and learning environments for students. Furthermore, he/she will be managing both on-campus and off-campus residences through accreditation processes, and transforming these residences into centres of academic excellence where fairness and inclusion are paramount. In addition, the director will oversee catering, hospitality and transportation services.KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll.Duties and responsibilities

• Provide leadership and allocate the necessary resources to the Housing and Residence Affairs Department, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the University.
• Continuously revise and adjust the HRA Master Plan to ensure planning and execution in cooperation with University Estates. This includes the HRAs Asset Life Cycle Management.
• Lead the development and implementation of appropriate policies, protocols, guidelines, and strategies regarding the provision of a quality living and learning student residence system in line with the University's goals.
• Conceptualize the administrative processes, structures, technology, and systems needed to support the department's service provision.
• Assume responsibility for all on- and off-campus accommodation policies and accreditation protocols, ensuring that the execution of services to students adheres to DHET policies, quality frameworks, and standards.
• Assume responsibility for adherence to all related compliance aspects, including placement practices and guidelines, insourcing and outsourcing plans, the Risk Register, health and safety compliance of residences, external audits on the quality of cleaning services, etc.
• Manage the departments budget sustainability to ensure HRA adheres to UFS budgetary guidelines.
• Ensure the establishment and negotiation of realistic service levels and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate all staff-related functions.
• Champion and support the transformation of the University, driving transformation processes and initiatives within the department.
• Ensure, through the placement policy, the enhancement of the diversity and social cohesion objectives of the institution.
• Develop the transport strategy for students.
• Oversee the catering strategy for students.
• Oversee the complaints desk that serves service providers as well as students.
• Participate in and chair important institutional committees.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A Masters degree on NQF Level 9.
• A minimum of eight years' relevant experience in areas indicated in the duties and responsibilities, of which five years must have been in a managerial and strategic leadership position.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution.
• Experience in a university or similar environment.

Recommendations

• Sound knowledge of business drivers and trends and environmental factors to influence and shape the departmental strategy.
• Experience in staff management and leadership.
• A firm understanding of the policies and procedures of the University and higher education.
• Knowledge of the off-campus accommodation requirements.
• A firm understanding of the challenges in the higher-education sector in South Africa.
• Knowledge of maintenance (building), housekeeping, transport and catering services.
• The ability to operate confidently and sensitively across cultural and other divides.

CompetenciesKey Competencies Required:

• Results-orientation:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

• Strategic thinking:

- The ability to think strategically and operationalise thinking into plans and projects.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business acumen:

- The ability to demonstrate effective communication skills, negotiation skills, persuasion skills, good interpersonal skills and a well-reasoned decision-making ability.

• Leadership:

- A successful track record of leadership and team building.
- The ability to positively influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

• Building coalitions:

- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.Required DocumentsPlease ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a professional body (if applicable).
• A copy of your drivers licence (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer/last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties
1 January 2025.Closing date
22 September 2024.Salary
The salary is available on request.Fringe benefits
Subject to specific conditions: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9012 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 Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf.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.Additional Information

University of the Free State