Executive Director

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Are you a strategic nonprofit leader who can translate a compelling social justice mission into sustainable organisational impact? This is an opportunity to lead an established nonprofit organisation working to improve access to justice and support for survivors of gender-based violence. The Executive Director will provide strategic direction and operational leadership across fundraising, financial management, programme oversight, people development, stakeholder engagement and organisational sustainability. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and senior management team, the successful candidate will balance long-term strategic priorities with the practical demands of running a mission-driven organisation in a resource-constrained environment. A central focus of the role will be securing sustainable funding, strengthening donor relationships, maintaining sound governance and financial controls, and ensuring that programmes deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve. The Executive Director will also lead organisational development, champion an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, and represent the organisation with credibility across the nonprofit sector, government, funding partners and the broader public. Our client is an established nonprofit organisation operating at the intersection of legal services, psychosocial support and community-based responses to gender-based violence. Through its community-based service centres, the organisation works to improve access to justice, empower vulnerable communities and strengthen institutional responses to gender-based violence. Its approach is grounded in empathy, inclusion, accountability, collaboration and trauma-informed care. What You'll Do Work with the Board of Directors and senior team to develop and implement the organisation's strategic plan, vision and theory of change. Lead fundraising and resource development, including donor engagement, funding proposals, stewardship, annual fundraising targets and strategic partnerships. Oversee financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, expenditure monitoring, donor-funded budgets, financial reporting and audit preparation in partnership with the Finance Manager. Strengthen governance and board effectiveness through reporting, meeting preparation, policy compliance and board development. Lead organisational planning, people management, recruitment, performance development and staff wellbeing, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and inclusion. Oversee programme quality and impact, ensuring services remain trauma-informed, ethically delivered and aligned with recognised best practices. Work with the Deputy Director to support programme delivery, evaluate outcomes and identify opportunities for service development and growth. Drive marketing, communications and public relations, strengthening organisational visibility, brand consistency and stakeholder engagement. Represent the organisation at public engagements and develop relationships with donors, community leaders, government agencies, media and partner organisations. Ensure compliance with applicable legal, employment, tax and nonprofit reporting obligations. Oversee operational infrastructure, technology, record keeping and cybersecurity to protect sensitive organisational and client information. What You Bring A postgraduate degree in law, social sciences or a relevant field. At least five years of direct experience in senior nonprofit management. Demonstrated success in fundraising, development and donor relationship management. Experience in community-based programmes and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence or other vulnerable populations. A proven ability to work effectively with a board of directors. Strong financial management, budgeting, project management, monitoring and evaluation skills, including the ability to interpret financial statements and manage budgets. Excellent leadership, people management, coaching and team development capabilities. Strong interpersonal, networking, written communication, presentation and public speaking skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. A sound understanding of trauma-informed service delivery and the experiences of marginalised communities. A commitment to women's rights, gender-based violence prevention and meaningful access to justice. The resilience, resourcefulness and self-awareness required to lead effectively in a demanding, resource-constrained environment. What Success Looks Like A clear organisational strategy translated into practical priorities, measurable outcomes and effective implementation. Sustainable fundraising performance, stronger donor relationships and a more resilient funding base. Sound financial management, reliable reporting and effective governance and compliance practices. High-quality, trauma-informed programmes that respond to client needs and demonstrate meaningful impact. A capable, motivated and supported team working within an inclusive and accountable organisational culture. Strong partnerships and increased organisational visibility across the nonprofit, legal and social justice sectors. Effective operational systems that protect sensitive information and support organisational performance. The Opportunity This is a purpose-driven executive leadership opportunity for someone who combines strategic vision with operational discipline, financial stewardship and a genuine commitment to social justice. The successful candidate will help shape the organisation's future while supporting the people, partnerships and programmes that make its work possible. The role is based at the organisation's Diepsloot centre, with occasional visits to satellite offices. If you bring the leadership maturity, fundraising capability and mission-driven approach required to lead a complex nonprofit organisation, this opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to access to justice and the response to gender-based violence.