Director: Information & Communication Services Job at University of the Western

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.