Chief Impact Officer

Freerecruit; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Freerecruit is seeking a Chief Impact Officer in Johannesburg to lead a global impact agenda spanning conservation, communities, sustainability and responsible business. This C‑suite role drives long-term strategy, governance, reporting and funding with senior leadership.

You will build partnerships, translate strategy into measurable outcomes, and guide investment toward sustainable growth while working across luxury travel and hospitality sectors.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience across impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy or related fields.
• Proven C-suite/senior executive experience with gravitas to influence Boards and shareholders.
• Deep expertise in at least two of: conservation & biodiversity; community-led development; sustainability & ESG; impact investment/philanthropy; responsible tourism/hospitality; climate & nature strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the organisation’s long-term impact strategy.
• Integrate impact into business strategy, operations, investment and guest experience.
• Lead conservation, biodiversity and community-focused initiatives.
• Oversee impact measurement, governance, reporting and funding.
• Build strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, funders and global organisations.
• Advise the Board and executive leadership on impact, risk and value creation.
• Embed accountability across the organisation and build a high-performing impact function.
• Represent the organisation at global forums and provide thought leadership on impact.

Skills

C-suite leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Executive influence

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Master’s or Doctorate advantageous

Tools

IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards

GRI

TNFD

Job description

CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER | JOHANNESBURG

Location:Sandton, Johannesburg
Employment:Permanent
Salary:Market Related

Are you a senior impact, sustainability, conservation or responsible business leader ready to shape an organisation’s long-term impact strategy?

My client is seeking an exceptionalChief Impact Officerto lead a global impact agenda spanningconservation, wildlife, communities, sustainability and responsible business.

THE ROLE

This is a C‑suite leadership position responsible for:

• Developing and driving the organisation’s long-term impact strategy
• Integrating impact into business strategy, operations, investment and guest experience
• Leading conservation, biodiversity and community-focused initiatives
• Overseeing impact measurement, governance, reporting and funding
• Building strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, funders and global organisations
• Advising the Board, shareholders and executive leadership on impact, risk and long‑term value creation
• Building a high‑performing impact function and embedding accountability across the organisation
• Representing the organisation at global forums and providing thought leadership on impact and responsible business

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• 15+ yearsof progressive senior leadership experience across impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy, responsible business or a closely related field
• Proven C-suite / senior executive experience, with the gravitas to influence Boards, shareholders and executive teams
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• A Master’s or Doctorate is advantageous but will not substitute for a strong executive track record
• Deep expertise in at least two of the following areas:

• Conservation & biodiversity
• Community‑led development
• Sustainability & ESG
• Impact investment or philanthropy
• Responsible tourism or hospitality
• Climate & nature strategy

Working knowledge of global frameworks such as IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, GRI and TNFD, with the judgement to apply them appropriately

Strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment, budgeting, resource allocation and fundraising experience

International experience across diverse cultures and emerging markets

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, partnership‑building and influencing skills

A proven ability to translate strategy into measurable, evidence‑based outcomes

Experience in luxury travel, hospitality or conservation‑led tourism is advantageous, although exceptional candidates from adjacent global sectors will also be considered.

MAKE AN IMPACT AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL