Executive Director: Transformation and Strategic Initiatives at University of Zululand
University of Zululand · KwaDlangezwa Campus, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
The University of Zululand is looking for a seasoned executive to lead its transformation and strategic initiatives on a five year fixed term contract. Based at the KwaDlangezwa Campus in KwaZulu Natal, you will drive institutional renewal, strategic partnerships and organisational development. If you have over ten years of leadership experience and a passion for higher education transformation, this senior role offers a competitive package and the chance to make a lasting impact.
About the role
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is seeking an accomplished Executive Director to provide visionary leadership for its transformation agenda and strategic initiatives. This is a five year fixed term performance based contract based at the KwaDlangezwa Campus.
In this executive role, you will oversee the university's transformation programmes, strategic partnerships, business intelligence, organisational development and institutional renewal efforts. You will ensure alignment between transformation imperatives and the university's strategic plan, driving measurable improvements in institutional culture, systems, governance and performance.
Key focus areas include:
- Leading high impact strategic projects and monitoring institutional performance
- Advancing strategic partnerships and mobilising resources
- Strengthening institutional intelligence to support informed decision making
- Fostering stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement across the university
Application notes: This is a re advertisement. The position is a five year fixed term appointment with the possibility of renewal for a further five year term subject to satisfactory performance. A competitive total annual remuneration package inclusive of benefits will be offered to the successful candidate.
Requirements
- Master's Degree in Strategic Management, Public Policy, Business Administration, Organisational Development or a related field. A Doctoral degree would be an advantage.
- Minimum of ten (10) years relevant leadership experience in strategy, transformation, organisational development, institutional planning, governance or stakeholder engagement.
- At least five (5) years experience at executive or senior management level within higher education, government or a comparable complex organisation.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large scale transformation and organisational change programmes.
- Proven track record in strategic planning, institutional performance management and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in partnership development, resource mobilisation and external relations.
- Experience within the higher education sector will be a distinct advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to lead and work in a team environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Strong project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Knowledge of higher education policy, regulatory frameworks, governance and risk management principles.
- Financial and resource management skills.
- Ability to mentor direct reports and manage stress and role demands.
- Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership and institutional oversight for the university's transformation agenda and strategic initiatives.
- Drive programmes and partnerships aligned with the university's vision, mission, strategic plan and national higher education priorities.
- Ensure alignment between transformation imperatives and institutional strategy to enable measurable improvements in institutional culture, systems, governance and performance.
- Oversee high impact strategic projects and monitor institutional performance.
- Advance strategic partnerships and mobilise resources to support institutional goals.
- Strengthen institutional intelligence to support informed decision making and continuous improvement.
- Lead organisational development and institutional renewal programmes.
- Manage stakeholder engagement and external relations.
- Provide executive leadership in business intelligence and organisational development.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the university.
Benefits
Competitive total annual remuneration package inclusive of benefits
Job details
- Organisation
- University of Zululand
- Location
- KwaDlangezwa Campus, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Contract
- Experience level
- Executive (10+ years)
- Education
- Master
- Category
- Government & Public Sector
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
This is a senior executive role at the University of Zululand, so your application needs to show more than just experience. Highlight your track record in leading transformation and strategic initiatives, especially within higher education or similar complex organisations. Emphasise your ability to manage change, engage stakeholders and drive institutional performance.
Since this is a re advertisement, make sure your CV clearly addresses the minimum requirements. A cover letter that outlines your vision for transformation in higher education and how you would approach the role could set you apart. Prepare for interviews that will likely focus on your leadership style, problem solving and how you have handled large scale change in the past.
Good luck, this is a chance to make a real impact.
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