MANAGER: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE

Introduction

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU),   located in Northern KwaZulu-Natal Province , is a Comprehensive University , with two campuses – one in KwaDlangezwa and the other in Richards Bay. The University is seeking to recruit a Manager – responsible for Community Engagement .

The Manager provides operational management and leadership to the Community Engagement (CE) and service learning (SL) portfolio and implements interventions to support academic staff and students in CE/SL across the University. The Manager reports to both the Director of Research and Innovation and the Director of Teaching and Learning, respectively, and enforces CE policies and procedures. The CE Manager works with teams to deliver the CE priorities reflected in the University Vision 2027 Strategy and Transformation plan, and services the Community Engagement Committee structure. The Manager is responsible for delivering a range of community engagement activities and providing liaison support to diverse community groups. The incumbent plays a key managerial role in building structures for good governance, responsible engagement with communities, and providing an enriched student and community experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Community Engagement Management

• Service learning and Community knowledge management

• Portfolio Management

• Staff Management

• General office work and related duties

Desired Experience & Qualification

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum: a Master’s degree in Business, Public Relations, Development Studies, Sociology or related field is required

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience working in Community Engagement and Service Learning in a Higher Education environment, is required.

• Experience in strategy writing, policy development, grant writing, fundraising, community network development, and/or stakeholder management is essential.

• Minimum of 3 + years’ supervisory experience

• Demonstrated experience implementing Community Engagement/Service-Learning plans.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

• Community engagement (CE) policies and procedures.

• Community engagement strategies, approaches, models, and systems.

• Participatory research methodologies and their relevance to CE.

• Scholarship of community engagement and its linked to service learning.

• Project and risks management.

• Higher Education landscape (trends and practices in CE)

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Skills

• Grant writing, fundraising and stakeholder management.

• Policy development.

• Communication skills (written and verbal).

• Research

• Budgeting

Behaviour / Attributes

• Problem solving and decision making

• Take responsibility

• Attention to detail

• Customer oriented

• Communicative

• Honesty

• Goal driven

• Team player

• Resourcefulness

Package & Remuneration

Total Remuneration Package inclusive of Benefits (13th Cheque, Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Group Life, Housing Allowance) and Study Benefits.