Director: Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access (post Level 5) (Contract appoint

Director:
Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access (post Level
5) (Contract appoint

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a research-led, student-centred and regionally engaged institution committed to academic excellence, inclusivity, social justice and innovation. Applications are invited from visionary, strategic and accomplished leaders for the position of Director:
Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Strategic Initiatives, Internationalisation and Institutional Affairs, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to the Institute for Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access and will champion the University's transformation agenda by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, institutional culture and social justice across all campuses.

This executive leadership position provides a unique opportunity to influence institutional strategy, advise Executive Management and governance structures, and position the University of the Free State as a national leader in institutional transformation, universal access and inclusive excellence.

The Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and executive oversight of the Institute for Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access by developing, implementing and evaluating institutional strategies, policies and programmes that advance transformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, universal access, institutional culture and human rights.

The position provides strategic advice to Executive Management, Council and Senate, while ensuring institutional compliance with legislative and governance requirements and providing strategic oversight of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS).

• Provide strategic leadership for institutional transformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and social justice.
• Lead the development and implementation of institutional transformation strategies aligned with the UFS Strategic Plan.
• Advise the Vice-Chancellor, Executive Management Committee, Council and Senate on strategic institutional transformation matters.
• Lead institution-wide organisational development and change management initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS).
• Develop and review institutional policies relating to transformation, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and human rights.
• Monitor institutional culture, transformation indicators and organisational climate.
• Ensure compliance with applicable higher education legislation, governance frameworks and reporting requirements.
• Build strategic partnerships with government, higher education institutions, professional bodies, community organisations and international partners.
• Represent the University nationally and internationally on matters relating to institutional transformation, accessibility and social justice.
• Lead the operational, financial and people management functions of the Institute.

• A Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Higher Education, Education, Psychology, Law, Human Rights, Organisational Development or a related discipline.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' relevant experience in institutional transformation, organisational development, diversity and inclusion, social justice or institutional strategy.
• A minimum of seven (7) years’ middle management experience.
• Proven experience within the higher education sector.
• Experience advising executive leadership.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience in institutional governance.
• Extensive experience in policy development.
• Experience leading complex strategic institutional projects.

• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.
• Qualification in Legal Studies / Change Management / Project Management / Disability Studies / Governance.

This is a five (5) year fixed-term performance-based contract appointment and may be eligible for reappointment subject to…