The Chief Director: Library and Information Service reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation and serves as a member of the senior management group, participating in institutional leadership, management, and governance structures.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the University’s Library and Information Service portfolio, positioning the library as a key enabler of teaching, learning, research, innovation and engagement
• Develop and implement a future-focused LIS strategy aligned with institutional priorities and global developments in higher education, digital scholarship and research support
• Lead digital transformation initiatives within LIS, including integration of emerging technologies, data analytics, open science platforms and innovative service delivery models
• Promote scholarly communication, open access, research visibility and collaborative knowledge creation across disciplines
• Lead the development and implementation of policies, frameworks and systems to support academic information services and ensure alignment with institutional, national and international best practices
• Provide strategic leadership in human resource management, including talent development, succession planning, performance management and fostering of a high-performance and inclusive culture
• Oversee operational and financial management of LIS, including budgeting, infrastructure, technology, facilities and resource optimisation
• Ensure sound governance, quality assurance and compliance across all LIS operations through appropriate monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement mechanisms
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic departments, students, researchers, alumni, library consortia and professional networks
• Represent LIS in institutional governance structures and contribute to institutional strategy, planning and policy development
• Engage with community stakeholders regarding collections, archives and repositories that support African knowledge systems, teaching, learning and research

Stellenbosch University is a globally connected, research-intensive institution committed to advancing knowledge in service of society and becoming Africa’s leading research-intensive university. Guided by Vision 2040 and the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the University recognises that its people, culture, and transformation agenda are central to institutional success.

The Library and Information Service operates as a dynamic leader in the academic library environment, managing a Main Library and four branch libraries across Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. The service strives to deliver client-centred services through skilled staff, world-class technological facilities, excellent collections, and optimal resource accessibility.