Overview Senior Officer: Business Developer (post level 9): Kovsie Phahamisa Academy (Job ID: 6466) Organizational Unit: University of the Free State – Vice- Chancellor and Principal – Top Management Contract Type: Permanent Occupational Level: Junior Management Location: Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary) Closing Date: 5/6/2026 Details Description KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! Requirements A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only). Duties And Responsibilities Identify new business opportunities that align with the strategic objectives of the UFS. Develop and implement business development strategies to expand UFS's short learning programme (SLP) offerings and market reach. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders. Conduct market research to inform programme development, pricing, and positioning. Analyse trends in skills development, short learning programmes, and micro credentials to guide innovation. Promote SLPs through targeted marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms. Design and execute integrated marketing plans that enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Manage Kovsie Phahamisa Academy's (KPHA) digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and online campaigns. Collaborate with academic departments to align offerings with market needs and institutional priorities. Coordinate the development of marketing materials, including brochures, proposals, and presentations. Engage prospective clients and partners through presentations, networking events, and direct outreach. Prepare and submit proposals, concept notes, and funding applications in line with institutional policies. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and business development initiatives. Track key performance indicators and generate reports to inform decision-making and strategy refinement. Ensure compliance with institutional branding, policies, and quality assurance requirements. Support the financial sustainability of KPHA by contributing to revenue generation and cost-effective practices. Facilitate stakeholder communication and relationship management to enhance client satisfaction and retention. Represent the UFS at internal and external forums, exhibitions, and industry engagements. Drive innovation in programme packaging, delivery modes, and certification pathways. Contribute to the continuous improvement of UFS's offerings and operational processes. Inherent Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/BTech degree on NQF Level 7 in a Marketing or Business-related field. Minimum of two (2) years' relevant experience in business development, including but not limited to: developing and implementing marketing or business development initiatives; engaging with internal and external stakeholders; preparing proposals, presentations, or business-related reports; coordinating projects or initiatives across multiple stakeholders. A valid driver’s licence (attach a copy). Recommendations A relevant Honours degree on NQF Level 8. Experience within higher education, short learning programmes, continuing education, or skills development environments. Competencies Key Competencies Required Results-Oriented: The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success. The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. Strategic Thinking: The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work. Business Acumen: The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office. Leading: The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together. Building Coalitions: The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. Other Information Assumption Of Duties: As soon as possible. Closing Date: 5 June 2026 Salary: The salary is available on request. Fringe Benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits. Enquiries For enquiries, please contact or email Additionally, contact / 2876 for assistance. General The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at the provided link. The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA. The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful. #J-18808-Ljbffr