Strategy Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure the development and implementation of strategies that optimise the university’s physical resources, including facilities and infrastructure, in support of teaching, learning, and research activities
• Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that aligns with the university’s mission and enhances institutional academic and operational capabilities
• Spearhead initiatives to digitise teaching and learning processes, ensuring seamless integration of technology
• Work closely with the university’s executive team to ensure digital initiatives align with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan
• Champion the use of innovative technologies and data-driven solutions to advance academic excellence and operational efficiency
• Create an inclusive and engaging digital transformation environment that embraces digital change and innovation across all university functions
• Lead and manage the leadership team within the portfolio to set strategic priorities and translate them into actionable plans
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the portfolio

Information, Communications Technology and Digital Transformation

• Oversee the development of an IT governance framework, policies procedures and practices that ensure alignment with the university’s strategic objectives and regulatory compliance
• Design and implement the university’s AI strategy, aligning it with institutional goals and digital futures
• Guide the development of the digital academy, promoting digital literacy and capabilities across the institution
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making by improving data accessibility, analytics, and insights
• Take accountability for technical architecture applications systems and data management practices, ensuring integrity, security, and effective management of data
• Ensure the university operates in compliance with relevant data protection regulations and standards
• Oversee the development and enforcement of cybersecurity policies and risk management strategies
• Lead the integration of AI and emerging technologies in academic and administrative functions
• Oversee the development and implementation of technology business continuity and disaster recovery strategy

Facilities and Infrastructure Optimisation

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for long-term infrastructure and facilities planning aligned with the institutional master plan and strategic priorities
• Oversee capital projects including new building projects, renovations, and expansions, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery
• Lead efforts to optimise infrastructure and facilities to support research, student engagement, and teaching goals
• Utilise digital and AI tools to monitor, analyze, and optimise the performance of infrastructure and facilities
• Leverage data analytics for predictive maintenance, asset tracking, and efficient resource allocation
• Drive smart campus initiatives, integrating IoT technologies to enhance efficiency of building systems, utilities, and overall infrastructure
• Oversee development and enforcement of policies and standards for facilities management, including maintenance practices, sustainability initiatives, and life-cycle management
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential hazards related to facilities and infrastructure

Protection Services and Security Management

• Provide strategic oversight for the development and implementation of a comprehensive campus security strategy that proactively addresses and mitigates risks
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of robust emergency response and disaster preparedness plans
• Ensure protection services across campuses complies with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices
• Oversee the formulation and enforcement of comprehensive security policies and procedures across all campuses
• Ensure security strategies promote accessibility, inclusivity, and free movement without compromising safety or academic freedom

Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Management

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the university’s health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures

Resource Management and Optimisation

• Lead the strategic planning and allocation of financial and human resources within the portfolio
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the division’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and optimal use of resources
• Manage the recruitment, development, and retention of staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the portfolio through effective financial planning and risk management
• Ensure compliance with university policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in all resource management activities

Stakeholder Partnerships

• Develop, sustain, and strengthen key strategic partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation
• Engage with senior leadership, faculty, students, and external experts to drive the adoption of digital transformation initiatives

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Digital and AI Systems is responsible for leading and shaping the university’s digital transformation journey, providing strategic direction for all initiatives related to digital futures, the digital academy, digitisation of teaching and learning, data governance, and risk management. This role aims to harness innovative technologies and data-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency, academic excellence, and stakeholder engagement across the institution.

The DVC is also responsible for Operations which includes providing strategic direction and oversight with regards to facilities management, protection services and health and safety across all campuses. The DVC also oversees the Potchefstroom Campus and as a member of the executive, actively supports the Vice-Chancellor in the leadership and management of the university.