Director of Community Engagement Jobs in Eastern Cape

Rhodes University is inviting applications for the senior post of Director of Community Engagement (Grade 19), based in the Eastern Cape. This is a readvertised vacancy for a leader who can give the university community engagement mission a clear strategic direction, and applications close on 11 November 2026.

About the company and the work

The employer is Rhodes University, and the role sits in Community Engagement. The Director provides visionary and strategic leadership for the university community engagement mission, and positions community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning and research, while promoting social justice, sustainable development and societal impact. The Director champions a university-wide culture of community engagement by developing institutional strategies that promote reciprocal, ethical, mutually beneficial and knowledge-driven partnerships with diverse communities. The Director also maintains an active programme of research in the scholarship of community engagement, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, supervises postgraduate students, contributes to teaching in relevant academic programmes, and provides intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years, so applicants should confirm the appointment terms in the original advert.

Role details and duties

The main objectives of the role are:

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the university community engagement mission.
• Position community engagement as a core academic function at the nexus of teaching, learning and research.
• Champion a university-wide culture of community engagement through institutional strategies and reciprocal, ethical partnerships with diverse communities.
• Maintain an active research programme in the scholarship of community engagement and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise postgraduate students and contribute to teaching in relevant academic programmes.
• Provide intellectual leadership that advances community engagement as a recognised field of scholarship and practice.

The post is Grade 19 and is advertised as permanent, with the fixed-term option noted above. The advert reference is 209715, and the closing date is 11 November 2026. The advert notes that it may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received, so early submission is advised. Applications are treated in strict confidence, and employment checks will be conducted.

Requirements

The original advert states the following requirements:

• A Master degree in the humanities or social sciences, or a closely related field; a doctoral degree (PhD) would be an advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including leading and formulating the strategic direction and advancement of community engagement or community development.
• At least 4 years of leadership and management experience at a senior level.
• Proven ability to implement community engagement strategy through community-university partnerships that drive equitable and inclusive development while also contributing to the holistic development of students.
• Fundraising experience, including the ability to write fundraising proposals and manage donors.
• An ability to teach and facilitate, write academically, and a publication record.
• A sound understanding of community development.
• Financial management, including understanding and working with budgets.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector is an advantage.

Applicants are told it is essential to read the job profile for further information and to ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

Where to find and apply safely

The original vacancy is listed on Careers24, and the Apply button on this page links directly to that original advert. Applications must be submitted via the university website and online recruitment system, and no hand-written applications will be considered. The documents required, uploaded under the Additional Documents section of the online application form, are a strong and succinct motivation letter outlining your interest in the post and your suitability for the position, addressing each job requirement individually, and a comprehensive CV including reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs, referees who are or were your direct line managers with their title, name, designation and contact information including at least a contact number and email address, and all relevant certificates. Questions about submitting an application can be addressed to Ms Ntosh Gongqa at [email protected] or 046 603 8616. Always apply through the original listing, and be cautious of anyone who asks you for money in exchange for a job, an interview or a placement, as a genuine employer will never charge you a fee to apply.

Practical tips

Shape your motivation letter around each requirement in turn, with concrete examples of strategy, partnerships, fundraising and publications, since the advert asks for each requirement to be addressed individually. Line up referees who were your direct line managers and warn them that referee reports will be solicited. Gather all certificates before you start the online form, because failure to submit all documentation and to answer all questions appropriately will result in disqualification.

How the process works

Click the Apply button on this page to open the original Careers24 advert and follow the application instructions there. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date and will be required to submit a paper by a specified date before the interviews, present that paper on the day of the interviews followed by a question-and-answer session, and then take part in a panel interview. If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Important information

This post is for information only. We are not the employer and we do not handle applications, shortlisting or appointments. All decisions rest with Rhodes University, and the original advert remains the authoritative source for the closing date, the remuneration and the requirements, so please confirm every detail there before you apply. The university reserves the right not to proceed with filling the post, and an application does not entitle the applicant to an interview.

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