EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT EXPERIENCE & SUCCESS

The University invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, and dynamic individuals for the position of Executive Director, Student Experience & Success in the Student Affairs Department.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director, Student Experience & Success will:

· Provide strategic leadership for the University-wide Student Experience & Success Strategy aligned to institutional goals.

· Coordinate and support the Academic Registry Section in managing the full student lifecycle, including onboarding, engagement, progression, retention, graduation, and alumni transition.

· Develop and implement mechanisms to improve student retention, progression and completion rates.

· Oversee student support services, including counselling, disability support, scholarships, health, accommodation, discipline, sport, and spiritual support.

· Design and manage structured mentorship programmes (peer, academic, alumni, and industry-based).

· Lead student engagement initiatives, including sports, recreation, clubs, societies, and student leadership structures.

· Promote a strong sense of student belonging, institutional identity, and positive campus culture.

· Collaborate with Faculties and Deans to integrate academic advising, tutoring, and learning support into student success initiatives.

· Oversee student feedback systems to ensure student input informs decision-making and continuous improvement.

· Support graduate readiness, employability, and career development initiatives.

· Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks.

· Manage budgets, staff, and resources within the Student Experience & Success portfolio.

Qualifications and Experience

An earned Master’s degree in Education, Higher Education Management, Student Affairs, Psychology, Counselling, Social Sciences, Management & Entrepreneurship, or a related discipline.

· A PhD in the above disciplines will be an added advantage.

· A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in higher education, with at least three (3) years at senior leadership level in student affairs, student success, or institutional strategy.

Attributes and Competencies

· Strategic and student-centred leadership approach.

· Strong change management and organisational transformation capability.

· Data-driven decision-making skills.

· Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

· Expertise in student engagement, mentoring frameworks, and wellbeing initiatives.

· Strong commitment to inclusive, holistic student development and success.

Terms of Appointment

· The position is offered on a four (4) year fixed-term performance-based contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit as one pdf file through email:

· A cover letter outlining suitability for the position;

· A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with names and contact details of at least three (3) referees; and

· Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.

Applications should be submitted to:

The Deputy Registrar – Human Resources and Administration

HARARE

Email address: careers@wua.ac.zw and cc registrar@wua.ac.zw

Closing Date: 30 April 2026