Director: Information & Communication Services

The University of the Western Cape is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic institution rooted in Africa with a growing global footprint. As the University advances its strategic ambition to become a leading research-intensive university, digital transformation is central to enabling excellence in teaching, learning, research, and institutional effectiveness.

The University invites applications from an exceptional and forward-thinking leader to assume a senior role in the position of Director: Information & Communication Services (ICS). Reporting to the Executive Director: Finance & Operations, this is a high-impact, enterprise leadership role with university-wide responsibility. The position requires a strategic and visionary leader to shape, drive and embed the University’s integrated digital strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and enabling a modern, data-enabled academic and administrative environment.

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

1. Strategic Digital Leadership

• 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 project

2. Enterprise Integration & Digital Transformation

• 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

3. AI and Emerging Technologies

• Lead the institutional adoption of Artificial Intelligence as a strategic capability
• Enable AI-driven improvements in:
  • Teaching and learning innovation
  • Research productivity and collaboration
  • Administrative efficiency and decision-making
• Establish governance frameworks for ethical, responsible, and secure use of AI, in partnership with the Deputy Vice Chancellors

4. Data, Analytics and Decision Intelligence

• 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

5. Operational Excellence & ICT Services

• 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

6. Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and develop a high-performing ICS team
• Build strong partnerships with:
  • Executive leadership
  • Faculties and academic departments
  • Professional support divisions
• Engage externally with sector bodies and partners to ensure alignment with best practice

Minimum Requirements

• A 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 the ICT operations within a higher education setting and a demonstrable understanding of University operations

Key Competencies

• 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 successful candidate will demonstrate:

• 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

Closing Date: 1 June 2026

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 9594 063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. 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.