Director: Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access (post Level 5) (Contract appointment: five years with the possibility of reappointment) (Job ID: 6559) FULL TIME & PERMANENT

Job Title

Director: Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access (post Level 5) (Contract appointment: five years with the possibility of reappointment) (Job ID: 6559)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs -> Institute for Institutional Change, Social Justice and Universal Access

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Middle Management

Location

Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

24/8/2026

Description

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).

Duties and responsibilities

• 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.

Inherent Job Requirements

• 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.

Recommendations

​​​​​​​• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.

• Qualification in Legal Studies / Change Management / Project Management / Disability Studies / Governance.

Competencies

Term of Appointment

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

Applicants must be able to complete the full five-year term of appointment. Accordingly, candidates who will reach the University’s normal retirement age during the contract period will not be eligible for appointment.

Assumption of duties:

01 November 2026

Closing date:

24 August 2026

Salary:

The University offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of this executive leadership position, together with attractive employee benefits in accordance with the University’s Conditions of Service.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed here:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).

• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9329 or email VermaakM@ufs.ac.za / 051 401 9848 or email TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za.

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 Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.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.