Student Development Practitioner in Johannesburg ZA
Job Title Student Development Practitioner
Location Johannesburg, ZA
Organization Name Student Development and Leadership Unit
Purpose:
The purpose of this position/job is to collaboratively develop and implement student development activities in relation to the transition of First Years from High School to University as well as other transitional programs for students across all years of study. The incumbent in this role is responsible for the overall coordination of the First Year Experience (FYE) programme as well as the student life components of the Gateway to Success (GTS) project. The Student Development Practitioner will also design and oversee the implementation and development of programs for wrap-around support for bursary holders.
Brief Description
Key responsibilities include the following:
· To plan, design, develop a first-year experience (FYE) programme in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and implement a coherent monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure successful transition of first year students as well other transitional programs meant for students in senior years of study.
· To report on the first-year students’ participation with the first-year experience programme and work collaboratively with partners in the mentorship programme to facilitate effective peer engagement and support for first year students.
· To connect and collaborate cross-institutionally with key stakeholders to develop a community of practice for first-year experience program and provide high level report to the first-year experience committee on FYE program implementation.
· To implement flexible means in the rollout the pre-online orientation for prospective students working collaboratively with Student Enrolment Centre (SENC) and systematically review the strength of both the pre-online orientation program as well as the cost effectiveness of the applicable platform.
· To co-ordinate student life component of the Gateway to Success (previously the Orientation week).
· To ensure that all administration related to purchases (purchase orders and internal requisitions) are properly completed and filed.
· To provide an effective office function to support student volunteers, interns, mentors, and deal with student enquiries.
· To plan, design, develop and implement a holistic student support programme for bursary holders in collaboration with the faculties, bursary support administrator and programme managers.
· To work collaboratively with faculties to respond through programmatic interventions to the academic needs of bursary holders and implement a quality management system to evaluate the impact of implemented programs towards the academic success of participants.
· To manage the administration and delivery of internal and external campus Promotions which contribute towards the holistic development of all students and to establish a vibrant, robust, and dynamic student life culture at the University.
Requirements:
A relevant bachelor’s degree;
· 3 years training and development experience
· Excellent administrative skills
· Sound computer knowledge
· Knowledge of student affairs, programme development and management, research and negotiation skills
· Ability to recognise and skilfully resolve conflict situations
· A proactive, energetic individual with a high level of emotional intelligence who can promote the Development and Leadership Unit as a department
· Excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of service excellence
· Effective communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
· Experience in adventure experiential related learning will be an advantage
Preferences:
- At least 3 years relevant work experience is required, of which 1 year at least must have been at a tertiary education institution or similar environment;
- At least 2 years as a Student Development Practitioner would be a definite advantage.
Closing Date: 1 December 2022
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a covering letter explicitly addressing why you suitable for this position, a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees.
External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application.
Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/”Apply for a job”
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment, to re-advertise and to verify all information provided by candidates.
Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.
