SENIOR MANAGER: HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape Since its bold founding in 1916, the University of Fort Hare has embodied courage, resilience, and the pursuit of transformation. From its proud legacy as a cradle of African leadership and intellectual liberation to its continued determination to overcome contemporary challenges, the University of Fort Hare’s spirit of renewal endures. The University has been steadily advancing its transformative journey over the years — the Decade of Renewal, marked by accountability, innovation, and academic excellence. Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the University of Fort Hare offers more than just a place to work; it offers a purpose. Here, you can help shape the future of one of South Africa’s most historic and culturally rich institutions, while enjoying the province’s natural beauty, sense of community, and space for professional growth. Are you ready to be part of this journey and help reposition this iconic institution to the place it so richly deserves?

Applications are invited from visionary and committed professionals ready to make a lasting impact in the University’s ongoing renewal.

STUDENT AFFAIRS DIVISION SENIOR MANAGER: HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES

PERMANENT

UFH Advert Reference No.: DS 04 JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Manager: Health and Wellness Services reports to the Executive Director: Student Affairs and provides institution-wide strategic, professional and operational leadership for Student Health, Counselling and related wellness services across UFH campuses. The incumbent will develop and implement an integrated, accessible and student-centred service model; ensure clinical and professional governance, lawful handling of health information, crisis response and referral pathways; manage people, budgets, contracts and partnerships; and use service data to improve student wellbeing and the overall student experience. The role supports institutional goals on student life, governance, risk, digital transformation and financial sustainability. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Leads the Health and Wellness function
• Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Organisational Unit Staff Management
• Campus Counselling, Health and Wellness Management

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters degree in Social Sciences or Health Sciences
• At least eight (8) years’ experience working in Higher education
• Three years' management experience in Health or Wellness
• Active HPCSA/SANC/SACSSP Registration
• Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary service leadership, crisis-response protocols, referral networks, confidential information governance and data-informed performance reporting.

Added Advantages

• Experience leading integrated student health and counselling services across more than one campus.
• Experience with Higher Health programmes, clinical-quality systems or secure digital case and service-data systems.
• Relevant training in crisis management, suicide prevention, substance-use interventions or survivor-centered GBV support.

COMPETENCIES (AS PER THE UNIVERSITY COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK)

• Business Acumen
• Change Leadership
• Critical Thinking
• Clear communication, negotiation and stakeholder management

REMUNERATION:

A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the position, experience and qualifications, will be offered.

ENQUIRIES:

Queries regarding job content can be directed to Ms Fungai Matumba on fmatumba@ufh.ac.za and 043 704 7190.

The University reserves the right to make an appointment or not to fill the post.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not hear from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

APPLICATIONS: Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to visit the website ufh.ac.za/jobs****for a more comprehensive advert.

Applications must be made online before the closing date, and the following documents must be attached:

• A completed University of Fort Hare application form,

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae,

• A Cover letter stating how you satisfy the requirements of the advertised position,

• Names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees,

• Certified copies of all your academic qualifications and proof of registration with professional bodies,

• If applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

• Incomplete applications and applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: 11 October 2026

University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.