Foundation Manager - Community & Conservation

They are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and passionate leader to work with key stakeholders including communities, donors, employees, clients, suppliers, shareholders to address the overarching approach to environmental responsibility, in partnership with local communities in Southern Africa.

The successful applicant will be required to provide strategic, financial and operational leadership for the Foundation, working closely with the Board and EXCO. This position plays a key role in building an organisation – the foundation and the commercial business as a whole - that has the desired impact, as well as boasting strong reputational and financial health.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a business-minded and future focused individual who has a desire to make a difference through conservation and community initiatives. The successful applicant will have a passion for creating a foundation within a sustainable business and an understanding of the interface between charitable work done with communities, and the commercial aspects involved in the running of a business in those areas.

The role is based in Cape Town but will require Southern Africa travel

Brief description of duties:

• Develop strategies and plans for Board approval that will deliver against the organisation’s short-term and long-term community and conservation objectives, and ensure that those goals are achieved
• Ensure appropriate planning, budgeting and reporting (financial and non-financial for the Foundation)
• Prepare relevant reports, presentations, recommendations and proposals for EXCO and/or the Board
• Chair the EXCO meetings to implement the agreed strategy, monitor progress and take corrective action where necessary
• Chair the Project Committee, Finance Committee and Marketing/Fundraising Committee meetings, ensuring ongoing delivery of the agreed plans, as well as appropriate reporting
• Ensure that the Operational teams and Field Officers deliver the desired results, in line with the strategy and objectives approved by the Board and EXCO
• Ensure that governance is upheld internally through the agreed structures, processes and rhythms with a view to driving operational and financial effectiveness
• Build productive relationships with external partners, organisations and stakeholders to support successful implementation of initiatives on the ground
• Ensure that legal governance is complied within each country in which the Foundation operates
• Report on the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, ensuring desired outcomes are achieved and solutions identified to overcome business challenges
• Set fundraising targets and mobilise efforts to reach those targets
• Supervision of the Fundraising and Communications Officer to ensure fundraising opportunities are identified and explored with appropriate communication campaigns (direct, digital, social), engagement, and reporting on such activities. This will include oversight of database management as well as guest / donor feedback and engagement
• Monitor and provide feedback on conservation and community concerns, interests and issues, with appropriate info sharing internally and externally
• Represent the Foundation at partner and donor meetings as well as at events and in the field
• Engage with authorities and other NPOs in the field of community development and conservation, forging good relationships and improved impact through collaboration

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Exhibit high level commercial acumen and have business experience
• Strong leadership skills (strategy and people)
• Proven capability in the area of stakeholder management
• Proven ability to collaborate, effectively partnering with others to deliver results
• Ability to analyse and understand relevant and valuable information
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to support the building and delivery of successful fundraising plans
• Results driven
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build, implement and manage financials plans and budgets
• Display empathy and passion for conservation and community,
• Prepared to travel to the areas in which we operate

Education and Experience:

• Commercial Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• A minimum of 10 years of corporate, business and management experience
• Proven track record in developing organisational strategies, leading team, influencing stakeholders and delivering results
• Hands on exposure to a spectrum of business functions including Finance, Marketing, Operations, PR etc.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices, applicable laws and regulations would be an advantage