Executive Director – Student Experience and Success

job Description

Vacancy: Executive Director – Student Experience and Success
Organisation: Women's University in Africa
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Closing Date: 30 April 2026

About the Role:
The Women’s University in Africa is inviting applications from highly qualified, experienced, and dynamic individuals for the position of Executive Director – Student Experience and Success. This is a senior leadership role within the Student Affairs Department, responsible for shaping and driving a university-wide strategy that enhances student engagement, wellbeing, and academic success.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:
-Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Student Experience and Success Strategy aligned with institutional goals
-Oversee and support the Academic Registry Section in managing the full student lifecycle, including admissions, onboarding, engagement, progression, retention, graduation, and alumni relations
-Design and implement systems to improve student retention, progression, and completion rates
-Manage core student support services such as counselling, disability support, scholarships, accommodation, discipline, sports, and spiritual support
-Develop and supervise student mentorship programmes (peer, academic, alumni, and industry-based)
-Drive student engagement initiatives including sports, recreation, clubs, societies, and student leadership development
-Promote a strong sense of student identity, belonging, and institutional culture
-Collaborate with Faculties and Deans to integrate academic advising, tutoring, and career support into student success initiatives
-Establish and manage student feedback systems to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
-Support graduate outcomes, employability, and career development programmes
-Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks
-Oversee departmental budgets, staffing, and resource allocation

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess:
-A Master’s degree in Education, Higher Education Management, Student Affairs, Psychology, Counselling, Social Sciences, Management, or a related field
-A PhD in a relevant discipline will be an added advantage
-A minimum of 5 years’ experience in higher education, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role within student affairs, student success, or institutional strategy

Key Competencies and Attributes:
-Strong student-centered leadership approach
-Proven change management and organisational transformation skills
-Excellent data-driven decision-making ability
-Experience in leading cross-functional teams
-Deep understanding of student engagement, mentoring frameworks, and wellbeing initiatives
-Strong commitment to inclusive, holistic student development

Terms of Appointment
-The position is offered on a 4-year fixed-term, performance-based contract
-Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance

How to Apply

Application Procedure
Interested candidates must submit a single PDF document containing:
A cover letter outlining suitability for the role
A detailed CV including contact details of at least three referees
Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications

Submission Details
Applications should be addressed to:
Deputy Registrar – Human Resources and Administration
Women’s University in Africa
549 Arcturus Road
Manresa, Harare

Email: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]