Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications from dynamic, values-driven, and student- centred leaders for the position of Dean of Students.
As a globally connected, research-intensive institution, SU advances knowledge in service of society and strives to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university – globally recognised for excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Guided by Vision 2040 and relevant strategic frameworks , SU is committed to delivering transformative student experiences that enable academic success, wellbeing, and personal development within a diverse, inclusive campus community.
Reporting directly to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Students provides strategic and intellectual leadership to the Responsibility Centre: Dean of Students, overseeing Student Counselling and Development, and Student Life and Learning across all SU campuses. The incumbent will shape and enhance the holistic student journey, ensuring that Stellenbosch University continues to provide a transformative and supportive environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
The Dean of Students plays a key leadership role within the Rectorate, fostering collaboration across the University to strengthen student success, promote a vibrant student life, and embed inclusivity and wellbeing into every aspect of the SU experience. The role also includes advancing student governance, leadership development, and co-curricular and extracurricular engagements, while representing the University nationally and internationally on student affairs matters.
Duties:
The Dean of Students assumes overarching responsibility for:
- Providing strategic leadership for the Responsibility Centre: Dean of Students, aligned with SU’s Vision 2040 and strategic frameworks.
- Promoting a holistic and transformative student experience that integrates academic success, wellbeing, leadership, and social impact.
- Overseeing Student Counselling and Development and Student Life and Learning across all SU Campuses, ensuring excellence in support services, residence life, and student development.
- Strengthening student governance structures and cultivating leadership opportunities that contribute to institutional transformation and social cohesion.
- Building strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships – internally across Responsibility Centres, Faculties and Schools, and externally with government, national and international higher education bodies, and civil society – to advance student success and institutional impact.
- Building intentional and strong relationships with students and student leadership, ensuring effective sharing of feedback with the senior leadership of the University and students, and making appropriate proposals arising from that feedback.
- Managing the budget, human resources, and overall operational effectiveness of the Responsibility Centre in alignment with institutional policy.
- Providing visible and accessible leadership within the student community, fostering a culture of respect, engagement, and accountability.
Requirements:
- A Doctorate degree.
- At least ten years’ relevant experience, with at least seven or eight years in a senior management level position, with a demonstrated track record of full management responsibility for a functional Unit, Centre or Responsibility Centre within a higher education environment.
- Proven capacity to provide dynamic and strategic leadership in the area of responsibility.
- Evidence of national and/or international outputs in respect of student development as a theme for own research-based practice for professional development.
- Proven ability to develop and sustain strategically relevant institutional partnerships and alliances at national as well as international level.
- Excellent communication, conflict handling and facilitation skills in a diverse environment.
- Negotiation skills.
- Sound interpersonal relations and the ability to take the lead within a team.
- The ability to contribute to institutional redress through the accelerated diversification of the staff and the student corps.
- High level of emotional intelligence and professional discretion.
- Financial acumen.
- Managerial skills, including the ability to direct, supervise, coordinate, and review the activities of direct reports, teams or individuals in a large complex environment.
- A solid understanding of the South African higher education sector as well as the national and international realities relating to student leadership in this sector.
- The position requires the incumbent to reside on campus to ensure a visible and engaged presence within the University community, including availability after hours and on weekends, as necessitated by the responsibilities of the role and the needs of the student population.
- The ability to function effectively within a multilingual and multicultural environment, in accordance with the University’s language policy .
As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation to the Senior Appointments Committee. The topic of the presentation will be shared with the provisionally shortlisted candidates.
Term of Office: The term of the appointment is normally five (5) years. Possible reappointment for subsequent terms.
Commencement of duties: 01 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: 19 January 2026
Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Mienke du Plessis at mienke@sun.ac.za
Enquiries regarding remuneration / benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on
021 808 2753, or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za
Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to adsmanager@sun.ac.za before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):
- A covering letter indicating how you meet the requirements.
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Your vision for the role of Dean of Students at Stellenbosch University.
- Details regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship.
- Certified copies of qualifications and certificates.
- Details of at least five referees.
- An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed.
By applying for the position, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted that the recruitment, selection, and appointment process for the position will be conducted in accordance with the University’s Regulations for the Appointment and Reappointment of a Dean of Students, and you affirm your commitment to adhere to the Regulations and to engage constructively in the selection process.
By applying for the position, you warrant that you have no prior employment disciplinary record nor any matters that the University should be made aware of (whether in relation to your academic or personal integrity or otherwise) which may influence its consideration of your application. Furthermore, you consent to any background checks relevant to your application on your academic background (including but not limited to your qualifications and verification of your publications). You also consent to checks on your disciplinary record, criminal history, and insolvency status. By providing this consent, you understand that the University may verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application and that any discrepancies discovered may impact your candidacy for the position.
Candidates are required to provide a list of referees who can speak to their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position of Dean of Students. The Senior Appointments Committee may, at their discretion, contact referees listed by the applicants for additional information. In addition, to ensure a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process, the Senior Appointments Committee reserves the right to make inquiries with other relevant persons who are not listed as referees by the applicants, if deemed appropriate. Any such enquiries will be handled in a discreet and confidential manner.
Candidates may be required to make themselves available for extensive leadership assessments.
The University is committed to the advancement of diversity and to employment equity.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.
The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.