Senior Director: Internationalisation

Ref. SUI/165/0626

Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications for the position of Senior Director: Internationalisation.

As a globally connected, research-intensive institution, SU advances knowledge in service of society and strives to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university and Africa's first Top 100 global university — globally recognised for excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Guided by Vision 2040 and the Strategy Plan 2026–2030, SU recognises that its people, culture, and holistic transformation agenda are central to achieving its institutional ambitions and sustaining long-term impact.

SU understands internationalisation not as an end in itself, but as a means to holistic transformation. It is therefore integral to SU’s holistic transformation and academic renewal agenda, and to its identity as an African university – defined not by where it is located, but by the purpose it serves on and for the continent.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, and working in close coordination with the Pro Vice-Chancellor: Internationalisation, the Senior Director: Internationalisation serves as the University’s senior internationalisation practitioner and strategic leader, responsible for advancing, coordinating and strengthening comprehensive internationalisation across the institution. The role provides strategic leadership and translates institutional strategy and direction into delivery for SU’s regional and global engagement agenda in alignment with Vision 2040, the SU Strategy Plan 2026–2030, the Internationalisation Strategy and the Research and Innovation Blueprint 2030.

The Senior Director leads SU International as a multi-centre division and plays a central role in positioning Stellenbosch University as a globally connected African university through strategic partnerships, international mobility, global learning, and collaborative research and innovation initiatives. Working closely with faculties, schools, research centres and entities – inclusive of the internationalisation entities at Tygerberg, Saldanha and the Stellenbosch Business School – the incumbent drives, from a decolonial perspective, the integration of intercultural, continental, international and global dimensions into the University's core academic activities, facilitates institution-wide coordination of internationalisation within a matrix environment, and ensures alignment with the University's research and innovation agenda, values and strategic priorities.

The role further provides strategic and operational oversight of SU's comprehensive partnership portfolio, including its ambition to advance its Africa engagement agenda and initiatives that advance student and staff mobility, global learning, collaborative research and innovation, and joint doctoral programmes. The incumbent also oversees strategic international initiatives and partnerships in accordance with the University's delegated mandates. The incumbent will provide visionary and collaborative leadership to strengthen SU's global profile and advance the University's internationalisation agenda. 

Duties:

The Senior Director: Internationalisation assumes overarching responsibility for:

• Providing strategic leadership, coordination and oversight for comprehensive internationalisation across Stellenbosch University.
• Leading the review and implementation of the University's internationalisation strategy and partnership frameworks in alignment with institutional priorities and global developments in consultation with the relevant university stakeholders.
• Advancing Stellenbosch University's global academic, research and innovation profile, and its commitment to acting in, with and for Africa, through strategic, ethical and mutually beneficial international and continental partnerships and initiatives.
• Supporting the strategic internationalisation initiatives led by the DVC: Research and Internationalisation.
• Providing executive oversight, strategic direction and HR management for Stellenbosch University International and its associated centres, units and portfolios, ensuring the Division’ s operational and financial sustainability.
• Leading and strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships, international networks and alliances to enhance the University's global engagement and visibility.
• Driving internationalisation at home, global learning and curriculum-linked initiatives –connected to the University’s academic renewal agenda – alongside international mobility initiatives for all students and staff.
• A sound understanding of African and South-African higher education policy, including the transformation agenda and debates surrounding academic mobility, and openness to international scholars.
• Overseeing international student support services and promoting integrated support systems for international students and visitors.
• Leading stakeholder engagement with government entities, diplomatic missions, higher education institutions, multilateral organisations and funding agencies.
• Facilitating institution-wide coordination of internationalisation within a matrix management environment, and ensuring alignment with the University's research and innovation agenda.
• Ensuring effective information management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and compliance relating to internationalisation activities, partnerships and mobility programmes.
• Promoting responsible, ethical and sustainable internationalisation aligned with institutional values, national legislation and global best practice.
• Providing strategic leadership to ensure the operational and financial sustainability of Stellenbosch University International.
• Contributing to institutional governance, strategy development and cross-functional coordination within a matrix management environment. 

Requirements: 

• A doctoral degree, preferably in a field related to international higher education, global affairs, international relations, public policy or institutional leadership.
• At least ten years’ demonstrated higher education or science council experience with at least five years’ managing an internationalisation portfolio.
• Significant leadership experience in international higher education and comprehensive internationalisation.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, partnership development and the management of complex international collaborations and multi-unit environments.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with international stakeholders, including government entities, diplomatic missions, multilateral organisations, higher education networks and funding bodies.
• Demonstrated experience in science diplomacy.
• Evidence of engagement and communication of research on internationalisation at policy level, including science diplomacy, publications, or related initiatives.
• Strong strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, communication and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and diverse teams within a matrix organisational structure.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural and relationship management skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy.
• Knowledge of information systems used to support and manage internationalisation partnerships and engagements.
• Sound understanding of budgeting, financial management and performance management systems.
• A strong understanding of global higher education trends, internationalisation practices and international partnership management from an African perspective.
• An entrepreneurial, innovative and solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to responsible and ethical internationalisation.
• Membership of relevant internationalisation networks or professional bodies will be advantageous. 

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 shortlisted candidates. 

Commencement of duties: 

01 January 2027 or as soon as possible 

Closing date: 

07 August 2026 

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Mienke du Preez at [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to [email protected] before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

1. A covering letter indicating how you meet the requirements.
2. A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
3. Your vision for the role of Senior Director Internationalisation at SU, aligned to the relevant strategic documents.
4. Certified copies of qualifications, certificates and ID and confirmation of citizenship.
5. Details of at least three referees.
6. 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 of a Senior Director, 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 pending or prior adverse findings, grievances or employment-related disciplinary outcomes on record or otherwise, nor any matters that the University should reasonably be made aware of (whether relating to your professional conduct or personal integrity) that are reasonably relevant to the assessment of your suitability for the position. Furthermore, you consent to background checks relevant to the inherent requirements of the position, including verification of your academic qualifications and publications. You also consent to checks on your disciplinary record, criminal record, and financial status, including any findings of insolvency. By providing this consent, you acknowledge that the University may verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application and that any material discrepancies may impact your candidacy for the position. 

Candidates are required to provide a list of contactable referees who can speak to their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position of Senior Director. 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 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. Note to applicants regarding organisational transition:

The University is currently undertaking a strategic realignment of certain senior and Tier 2 roles,

including the post for which you are applying. While the core strategic purpose, seniority, and level of accountability of this position will remain, the specific functions, portfolios, areas of responsibility, and allocation of supporting units may be reviewed and realigned after appointment. This could include the addition of functions to this role or, in limited circumstances, the removal or redistribution of certain functions. Such adjustments will be implemented in accordance with the University’s obligations under the Labour Relations Act, including consultation where required. By applying, you acknowledge that the role exists within a transitioning structure and that the initial job description may be refined as organisational realignments are finalised.