Senior Director: University Relations (5-YEAR CONTRACT, RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)

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.”

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 goals.
• Advise the university's senior leadership on public relations and communication issues, providing expert counsel on potential impacts to the university's reputation.
• Ensure the division remains at the forefront of media and technological advancements to maintain competitive and innovative broadcasting services.
• 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 events.
• Ensure the UJ Broadcasting unit adheres to regulatory and legal requirements relevant to broadcasting, including copyright, intellectual property rights, and industry standards.
• 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.
• 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 marketing.
• At least seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful public relations strategies.
• Strong government and community partnerships.

Recommendations:

• Strong experience in media and government relations.
• Understanding of South African protocols.

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 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: or emailed to Ms Ayanda Gcabashe at

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021) , to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) . The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience, and proven achievements, the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements, the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Education
• Higher Education