Chief Director: Library and Information Service

Ref. BIB/166/0626

Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications for the position of Chief Director: Library and Information Service (CD: LIS).

As a globally connected, research-intensive institution, SU advances knowledge in service of society and strives to be Africa’s leading research-intensive university and Africa's first Top 100 global university – globally recognised for excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Guided by Vision 2040 and the Strategy Plan 2026–2030, SU recognises that its people, culture, and transformation agenda are central to achieving its institutional ambitions and sustaining long­term impact.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, the Chief Director: Library and Information Service provides strategic and executive leadership to Stellenbosch University libraries, is a member of the senior management group, and participates fully in all relevant leadership, management, and governance structures of the University. The Chief Director: LIS articulates a strategic vision for the provision of academic information services at SU, leads and manages SU libraries, a system consisting of a Main (SU Library) and four branch libraries – three on the Stellenbosch Campus and one on the Tygerberg Campus.

The Chief Director: LIS has overall responsibility for the budget, staffing, research collections, services, facilities and equipment in the University libraries. The focus of the post is on the strategic management, planning and organisation of these environments, the planning and development of new services for clients, the adaptation and redevelopment, where necessary, of existing services, and the overall development and management of staff to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the environments, of the Library and Information Service and of Stellenbosch University (SU).

The Library and Information Service strives to be a dynamic leader in the academic library environment, both nationally and internationally. In order to achieve this goal, it is imperative for the Library and Information Service to render a wide spectrum of client-centred services, which include attracting and retaining skilled and motivated staff, world-class technological facilities and access to relevant resources; developing excellent collections in all available formats that meet the needs of the University and are optimally accessible; and making clients aware of available services for the improved utilisation of these services.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and experienced library director to lead the library services across all SU campuses. The incumbent will provide strategic and operational leadership, direction, and oversight of library services, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration. The Chief Director: LIS will play a key role in shaping the future of library services, leveraging technological advancements, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.

Duties:

The Chief Director: Library and Information Service assumes overarching responsibility for:

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

Requirements:

• A master’s or doctoral degree in Library and Information Science or a relevant field.
• At least eight (8) years’ senior management experience in academic or research libraries, or information science entities in the higher education sector.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, institutional leadership, budgeting and people management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading digital transformation and innovation initiatives in a complex organisational environment.
• Strong understanding of scholarly communication, library technologies, open science and higher education trends.
• Proven ability to lead large and diverse teams and foster a culture of collaboration, excellence and continuous improvement.
• Sound financial and operational management skills, including experience managing large budgets and complex operations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant higher education, governance, HR and financial management frameworks and policies. 

Recommendations: 

• Membership of relevant national and/or international professional bodies (e.g. LIASA, IFLA). 

As part of the interview process, shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation to the Senior Appointments Committee. The topic of the presentation will be shared with the shortlisted candidates. 

Term of Office: The appointment is for a fixed term of five (5) years, with the possibility of reappointment for further terms.  

Commencement of duties:

01 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter 

Closing date: 

07 August 2026

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms Mienke du Preez at [email protected]

Enquiries regarding remuneration/ benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on

021 808 2753, or at [email protected]

Completed applications, comprising the documentation as set out below, must be sent via email to [email protected] before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Documentation details (PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION INCLUDES ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW):

1. A covering letter indicating how you meet the requirements.
2. A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
3. Your vision for the role of Chief Director: Library and Information Service at SU, aligned to Vision 2040 and the strategic plan 2026-2030.
4. Certified copies of qualifications, certificates and ID and confirmation of citizenship.
5. Details of at least three referees.
6. An indication of the earliest date on which duties can be assumed. 

By applying for the position, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted that the recruitment, selection, and appointment process for the position will be conducted in accordance with the University’s Regulations for the Appointment and Reappointment of a Chief Director, and you affirm your commitment to adhere to the Regulations and to engage constructively in the selection process.

By applying for the position, you warrant that you have no pending or prior adverse findings, grievances or employment-related disciplinary outcomes on record or otherwise, nor any matters that the University should reasonably be made aware of (whether relating to your professional conduct or personal integrity) that are reasonably relevant to the assessment of your suitability for the position. Furthermore, you consent to background checks relevant to the inherent requirements of the position, including verification of your academic qualifications and publications. You also consent to checks on your disciplinary record, criminal record, and financial status, including any findings of insolvency. By providing this consent, you acknowledge that the University may verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application and that any material discrepancies may impact your candidacy for the position. 

Candidates are required to provide a list of contactable referees who can speak to their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position of Chief Director: LIS. The Senior Appointments Committee may, at their discretion, contact referees listed by the applicants for additional information. In addition, to ensure a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process, the Senior Appointments Committee reserves the right to make inquiries with other relevant persons who are not listed as referees by the applicants, if deemed appropriate. Any such enquiries will be handled in a discreet and confidential manner. 

Candidates may be required to make themselves available for extensive leadership assessments. 

The University is committed to the advancement of diversity and employment equity. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate. Note to applicants regarding organisational transition:

The University is currently undertaking a strategic realignment of certain senior and Tier 2 roles, including the post for which you are applying. While the core strategic purpose, seniority, and level of accountability of this position will remain, the specific functions, portfolios, areas of responsibility, and allocation of supporting units may be reviewed and realigned after appointment. This could include the addition of functions to this role or, in limited circumstances, the removal or redistribution of certain functions. Such adjustments will be implemented in accordance with the University’s obligations under the Labour Relations Act, including consultation where required. By applying, you acknowledge that the role exists within a transitioning structure and that the initial job description may be refined as organisational realignments are finalised.