Director: Information & Communication Services
University of the Western Cape, Bellville, TX, United States
Director: Information & Communication Services
Post Number: 5155
Faculty/Department: University of the Western Cape -> ICS Department ->ICS Management
Type of Position: Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date: 1/6/2026
Role Purpose
To provide institutional leadership in the development and execution of an integrated digital strategy that advances the University’s academic mission, enhances student and staff experience, strengthens research capability, and enables efficient, data‑driven institutional operations.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and drive a university-wide digital strategy aligned to institutional priorities in research, teaching and learning, and operational excellence
Serve as a strategic advisor to Executive Management, shaping decisions on digital investments, innovation, and transformation
Position digital capability as a core enabler of the University’s academic projects
Lead the transition towards an integrated digital university ecosystem
Develop and implement a modern enterprise architecture that ensures seamless data and system integration
Drive the digitisation of processes to significantly reduce manual workflows and paper‑based systems
Champion a student‑ and staff‑centric digital experience across the full lifecycle
Lead the institutional adoption of Artificial Intelligence as a strategic capability
Enable AI‑driven improvements in teaching and learning innovation, research productivity and collaboration, and administrative efficiency and decision‑making
Establish governance frameworks for ethical, responsible, and secure use of AI, in partnership with the Deputy Vice Chancellors
Drive data governance, analytics and business intelligence initiatives across the institution
Establish a robust data governance and management framework
Support the transition toward a data‑driven university, enhancing planning, performance monitoring, and strategic insight
Ensure reliable, secure, and efficient ICT operations, including infrastructure, enterprise systems, and network services including SANReN connectivity
Oversee cybersecurity strategy and compliance (including POPIA)
Manage vendor relationships, IT procurement, and service‑level agreements
Maintain high levels of service delivery, business continuity, and disaster recovery readiness
Lead and develop a high‑performing ICT team
Build strong partnerships with executive leadership, faculties and academic departments, and professional support divisions
Engage externally with sector bodies and partners to ensure alignment with best practice
Qualifications
Relevant postgraduate qualification at a minimum of NQF Level 9 in Information Systems, Computer Science, IT Engineering or a related field
At least 10 years’ experience in managing ICT, including at least 5 years in a senior strategic leadership role
Proven experience in leading enterprise‑wide digital transformation initiatives in organisations of equal complexity to UWC
Demonstrated ability to operate at executive and strategic levels
Preferred
Experience in leading ICT operations within a higher education setting and a demonstrable understanding of university operations
Strategic leadership and visioning capability
Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and systems integration
Experience in AI, digital innovation, and emerging technologies
Expertise in data governance, analytics, and digital platforms
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Sound knowledge of ICT governance frameworks (e.g. COBIT, ITIL, ISO27001)
High levels of business acumen and institutional awareness
Critical Success Profile
The ability to think and operate at a strategic Senior Director level
A track record of transforming complex, fragmented ICT environments into integrated digital ecosystems
The capacity to position digital capability as a strategic driver of academic excellence and institutional performance
A forward‑looking orientation, particularly in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to shape the future university
Equal Opportunity Statement
In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.
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Post Number: 5155
Faculty/Department: University of the Western Cape -> ICS Department ->ICS Management
Type of Position: Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date: 1/6/2026
Role Purpose
To provide institutional leadership in the development and execution of an integrated digital strategy that advances the University’s academic mission, enhances student and staff experience, strengthens research capability, and enables efficient, data‑driven institutional operations.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and drive a university-wide digital strategy aligned to institutional priorities in research, teaching and learning, and operational excellence
Serve as a strategic advisor to Executive Management, shaping decisions on digital investments, innovation, and transformation
Position digital capability as a core enabler of the University’s academic projects
Lead the transition towards an integrated digital university ecosystem
Develop and implement a modern enterprise architecture that ensures seamless data and system integration
Drive the digitisation of processes to significantly reduce manual workflows and paper‑based systems
Champion a student‑ and staff‑centric digital experience across the full lifecycle
Lead the institutional adoption of Artificial Intelligence as a strategic capability
Enable AI‑driven improvements in teaching and learning innovation, research productivity and collaboration, and administrative efficiency and decision‑making
Establish governance frameworks for ethical, responsible, and secure use of AI, in partnership with the Deputy Vice Chancellors
Drive data governance, analytics and business intelligence initiatives across the institution
Establish a robust data governance and management framework
Support the transition toward a data‑driven university, enhancing planning, performance monitoring, and strategic insight
Ensure reliable, secure, and efficient ICT operations, including infrastructure, enterprise systems, and network services including SANReN connectivity
Oversee cybersecurity strategy and compliance (including POPIA)
Manage vendor relationships, IT procurement, and service‑level agreements
Maintain high levels of service delivery, business continuity, and disaster recovery readiness
Lead and develop a high‑performing ICT team
Build strong partnerships with executive leadership, faculties and academic departments, and professional support divisions
Engage externally with sector bodies and partners to ensure alignment with best practice
Qualifications
Relevant postgraduate qualification at a minimum of NQF Level 9 in Information Systems, Computer Science, IT Engineering or a related field
At least 10 years’ experience in managing ICT, including at least 5 years in a senior strategic leadership role
Proven experience in leading enterprise‑wide digital transformation initiatives in organisations of equal complexity to UWC
Demonstrated ability to operate at executive and strategic levels
Preferred
Experience in leading ICT operations within a higher education setting and a demonstrable understanding of university operations
Strategic leadership and visioning capability
Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and systems integration
Experience in AI, digital innovation, and emerging technologies
Expertise in data governance, analytics, and digital platforms
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Sound knowledge of ICT governance frameworks (e.g. COBIT, ITIL, ISO27001)
High levels of business acumen and institutional awareness
Critical Success Profile
The ability to think and operate at a strategic Senior Director level
A track record of transforming complex, fragmented ICT environments into integrated digital ecosystems
The capacity to position digital capability as a strategic driver of academic excellence and institutional performance
A forward‑looking orientation, particularly in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to shape the future university
Equal Opportunity Statement
In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.
#J-18808-Ljbffr