The University of Johannesburg is recruiting a Senior Director to head its Division for Global Engagement. This strategic role drives UJ international partnerships, student and scholar mobility, global fundraising, and brand positioning in support of Strategy 2035. The post suits a seasoned higher education leader with a proven international portfolio, strong diplomacy, and the ability to translate global networks into measurable academic and societal impact.
(UJ) Senior Director (P4), Division for Global Engagement Snapshot summary
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
Hiring institution |
University of Johannesburg |
Role title |
Senior Director, Division for Global Engagement (P4) |
Location |
Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg |
Contract |
Permanent with 12-month probation |
Closing date |
9 November 2025 |
Remuneration |
Market related, aligned to senior leadership band |
Reports to |
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation |
Portfolio scope |
International partnerships, mobility, recruitment, admissions and marketing, academic services, international fundraising, global communications, compliance |
Strategic anchor |
UJ Strategy 2035: Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, Technology for the Future |
Official site |
About the University of Johannesburg
UJ is a Pan-African, future-focused public university known for innovation, inclusive excellence, and applied impact. Strategy 2035 positions UJ to expand global collaborations, scale cutting-edge research and innovation, and translate knowledge for societal benefit. The Division for Global Engagement is a central enabler of that strategy through partnership building, mobility pathways, and a strong international brand.
Role purpose and strategic context
The Senior Director stewards UJ global engagement ecosystem so that partnerships, people flows, and reputation growth translate into academic quality, diversified revenue, and measurable societal outcomes. The incumbent will integrate internationalisation across faculties and support services, align resources with growth priorities, and ensure regulatory compliance for international students and staff.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership
- Craft and execute a multi-year Global Engagement Strategy aligned to Strategy 2035 with clear KPIs, risk controls, and budget stewardship.
- Build and deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships with universities, research councils, governments, and foundations.
- Embed internationalisation at home across curricula, digital exchange, and collaborative online international learning.
Portfolio management
- Oversee sub-divisions covering international student recruitment, admissions and marketing, study abroad and exchanges, academic services for international cohorts, international advancement and third-stream funding, and global communications.
- Drive service excellence in admissions, immigration facilitation, registrations, and student support in line with policy and law.
- Ensure robust governance, contract management, data privacy, and audit readiness.
Brand and stakeholder engagement
- Position UJ as a partner of choice through targeted campaigns, media relations, and thought leadership.
- Represent UJ in high-level delegations and global fora, observing appropriate academic and diplomatic protocols.
- Lead international fundraising pipelines and develop diversified revenue streams.
Research and innovation linkages
- Connect global partnerships to flagship research, innovation, and entrepreneurship priorities.
- Identify and support bids for international research and capacity-building grants.
People and culture
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team with a collaborative, high-performance ethos.
- Advance transformation, inclusion, and talent development across the portfolio.
Minimum requirements
- PhD or equivalent NQF 10 qualification.
- At least 10 years of senior executive experience in higher education or a comparably complex organisation.
- Recognised academic and professional standing.
- Demonstrable success in internationalisation, global partnerships, and international advancement or fundraising.
- Comprehensive knowledge of international higher education policy, immigration requirements, compliance, and risk.
- Advanced financial and operational management capability for large, multi-line portfolios.
- Exceptional diplomacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
Key competencies
- Strategic systems thinking and execution discipline.
- Governance, contract, and risk management proficiency.
- Change leadership and process modernisation.
- Cross-cultural fluency and stakeholder engagement.
- Commitment to UJ values of innovation, transformation, and societal impact.
- Awareness of 4IR opportunities and digital collaboration models in internationalisation.
Recommended attributes
- Professional registrations or affiliations in relevant international education bodies.
- Experience with international process redesign, CRM and marketing automation, and data-driven recruitment strategies.
Terms of appointment
- Permanent senior management post with a 12-month probation period.
- Senior Leadership Group retirement age is 65.
- Remuneration is market related and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application pack
Prepare and submit:
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Motivational letter outlining your vision, strategic priorities, and 12- to 24-month plan for the Division for Global Engagement with indicative KPIs.
- Three professional referees with full contact details.
- Certified copies of highest qualifications and relevant certifications.
How to apply
Applications must be lodged via the University of Johannesburg careers page. Only online submissions will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within eight weeks of the closing date.
Commitment to equity and ethical standards
UJ is committed to employment equity and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and persons with disabilities. In line with safeguarding commitments, applicants will be vetted in accordance with applicable legislation, including checks against the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Frequently asked questions
1) What does success look like in the first year
Delivery of a board-endorsed Global Engagement Strategy, measurable growth in priority partnerships and quality pipelines, improved turnaround times in international admissions and immigration compliance, and a visible uplift in UJ international brand metrics.
2) How large is the team and what functions report to the Senior Director
The portfolio typically includes international recruitment, admissions and marketing, study abroad and exchanges, academic services for international students, international advancement and third-stream funding, and global communications.
3) What kind of fundraising experience is expected
Experience building and converting international advancement pipelines through foundations, philanthropies, alumni, and corporate partners, as well as co-funded education and research programmes.
4) How will the role engage faculties
Through faculty-aligned partnership roadmaps, embedded internationalisation at home, and co-developed mobility and micro-credential pathways tied to academic priorities.
5) What compliance areas are most critical
Student immigration and visas, international data privacy and records, partner due diligence, contract governance, and adherence to national and international higher education regulations.
Suggested application timeline
- Week 1 to 2: Finalise strategy concept note and role-fit narrative.
- Week 2 to 3: Secure referees and prepare evidence of impact.
- By 9 November 2025: Submit complete application via UJ careers portal.
If you are a globally minded higher education leader ready to scale partnerships and impact from an African anchor to the world, this role provides the platform, institutional ambition, and scope to deliver lasting results.
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