Deputy Director: Institutional Research and Analytics

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING

DEPUTY DIRECTOR: INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH & ANALYTICS

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 4

The University of Pretoria is one of the leading research-intensive universities in South Africa. Its nine faculties and business school offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We are a diverse and dynamic community of staff and students committed to excellence, diversity, sustainability, and making a difference.

The University of Pretoria’s commitment to quality makes it one of the top research universities in the country and gives it a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties, among others:

1. Providing high quality data and analysis to support the University of Pretoria’s strategic management, planning and decision-making processes;
2. Developing institutional planning frameworks, performance indicators and responses to national policies;
3. Monitoring and evaluating institutional performance against strategic goals;
4. Leading institutional research and market surveys to inform decision making and support planning;
5. Developing models for enrolment planning and preparing annual enrolment projections aligned with UP’s enrolment plan and strategy;
6. Providing accurate and up-to-date institutional data for planning, evaluation and research;
7. Identifying, evaluating, and implementing new data tools, technologies, and methodologies to improve the quality and efficiency of institutional research and analytics;
8. Managing UP’s HEMIS student data submissions to the DHET;
9. Management of staff and resources.

Minimum Requirements

1. A Master’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or related qualification;
2. A total of ten years’ experience in an institutional planning/research environment;
3. A minimum of five years’ proven experience in a university environment;
4. A minimum of five years’ proven experience in a management/leadership role;
5. A valid driver’s licence.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

1. Proven ability to lead and manage a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture;
2. Knowledge of the higher education environment;
3. Knowledge of basic principles of strategic planning;
4. Experience in planning, designing, and overseeing research or planning projects;
5. Strong expertise in statistical software, data visualization tools, and business intelligence platforms (e.g., PowerHEDA, Tableau, Power BI, etc.);
6. Experience in developing and managing data models, institutional dashboards, and reporting systems;
7. Ability to analyse complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations;
8. Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and initiatives, ensuring timely completion and alignment with institutional priorities;
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and research findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences;
10. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills;
11. Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally;
12. Excellent planning and organising skills.

Added Advantages And Preferences

1. A Doctoral Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or related qualification;
2. Member of a professional body, e.g., SAAIR.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the Bestmed and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select About UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position to be applied for:

The following documents must be attached when applying for this position:

1. A comprehensive CV;
2. Certified copies of all qualifications;
3. The names and contact details (including telephone details) of at least three referees who can attest to your stature and leadership qualities (The University reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees).

CLOSING DATE: 7 March 2025

Applications that do not comply with at least the minimum requirements or are received after the closing date will not be considered.

Enquiries

For position-related enquiries, contact Professor GW Ouma, on gerald.ouma@up.ac.za or Telephone: 012 420 6773.

For enquiries regarding the application process, contact Ms MJ Molema, on maryjane.molema@up.ac.za or Tel: 012 420 2903.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 May 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, (but it is not limited) to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.