Conference Coordinator I in the Conference Office, Division of Residential Operations

Posted 09 June 2025 - Closing Date 13 June 2025

The Conference and Events Office in the Division of Residential Operations invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Department

Rhodes University has a diverse range of conference venues that can cater to all conferencing needs. The University is situated in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, which is almost equidistant from the major centres of South Africa. This unique part of the country has a lot to offer conference delegates.

Added to this, it can also fulfil most accommodation and catering needs associated with conferences. Our conference and meeting facilities offer a wide range of modern technology and amenities to suit requirements, including expansive tiered theatres which seat up to 420 delegates. Our venues all have high-quality AV, supported by an expert in-house team. Our dedicated team of conference professionals provides full support for the conference administration and delegate accommodation booking. Due to its ideal location and diverse facilities, Rhodes University is the perfect place to host a conference.

Main Objectives

To provide a support mechanism and structure that enables a comprehensive and efficiently administered profit-making sector to the University through the media of conferences, events, and any other related matters.

The Requirements
Grade 12 plus approximately 4 years’ relevant experience, where such experience includes: -

• Previous experience managing and organizing conferences & events, and/or having worked in the conference industry, and/or previous administrative experience, preferably within a service organization where client interaction was a key focus
• Maintaining conference website(s) with online registration
• Previous experience in budget management and reconciliation of accounts
• Previous experience in working with computers, particularly Word and Excel
• The ability to work on the internet and email is essential
• Previous experience in working with databases will be an advantage
• A valid code 8 driver’s license

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation that tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note, no hand-written applications will be considered. Failure to submit all documentation will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to [email protected].

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for 20 June 2025.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 11):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R 401,952

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 539,645

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 13 June 2025, 12h00

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion