Executive Director

About This Role

This is an opportunity to lead a respected youth-led non-profit working for Afrocentric climate justice into its next phase of stability and growth. The Executive Director is the most senior leader, accountable to the board for strategic direction, governance, financial sustainability, and organisational coherence. The role provides strategic oversight rather than managing day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the organisational and programmatic strategy in consultation with the board and the team
• Translate strategies into annual plans, ensure programmes remain mission-aligned and impactful, and guide ACA’s regional growth in response to the climate justice, policy and funding landscape
• Complete the organisational design and recruit key roles
• Lead, develop and mentor the management team, and build a psychologically safe, inclusive and accountable culture that reflects ACA’s youth-led values
• Lead ACA’s shift from core funding towards programmatic funding, working with the fundraising, partnerships and grants team to strengthen the pipeline and diversify income
• Build long-term, high-trust relationships with funders, partners, coalitions and policymakers, and sign off all proposals and donor reports
• Position ACA credibly in national and regional spaces while holding the spotlight lightly and elevating the voices of young people and the team
• Approve budgets and expenditure, and ensure sound financial controls, cash flow and reserves
• Ensure timely management accounts, clean audits and statutory financial compliance, and oversee the move to fit-for-purpose financial systems
• Support the board through its transition to a permanent board, with timely, accurate board reporting
• Ensure an up-to-date policy framework, an active risk register and compliance with all statutory requirements, including the NPO Act, tax, labour and POPIA legislation

Requirements

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (NQF 8 or above), e.g. in climate or environmental studies, development studies, social sciences or management
• At least 10 years’ leadership experience, including 3 years or more in a senior leadership or executive role
• Proven experience in the climate, environmental justice or broader social justice sector, with a demonstrated commitment to youth development and youth leadership
• A successful track record in fundraising and building donor relations
• Deep knowledge of climate justice and the African climate movement
• Sound knowledge of the South African NPO regulatory environment
• Strong financial acumen; ability to understand and interrogate financial reports
• A collaborative, people-centred leader who shares leadership, develops others and holds clear accountability