DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Old School Ties; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocesan School for Girls, Makhanda (Eastern Cape), invites applications for the position of Director of Advancement. This senior leadership role will oversee the Foundation, Marketing, Communications, Admissions and Alumni to drive growth, reputation and resource development.

Reporting to the Head of School, the appointee will set strategic plans, manage budgets and lead a diverse team while engaging with donors, partners and the wider DSG community.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant professional experience with leadership or management roles.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the schools mission.
• Strong marketing, communications, brand management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to use data and market insights to inform strategy and improve experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the schools advancement functions including Foundation, Marketing, Communications, Admissions and Alumni.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to grow resources and reputation.
• Provide strategic leadership across donor relations, partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage budgets and financial planning for advancement activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data-informed decision making

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Education

NQF Level 7 qualification in business administration, marketing, communications or public relations

Tools

CRM systems

Website management

Digital marketing

Job description

Eastern Cape Komani (formerly Queenstown)

Description

THE DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

VACANCY: DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

The Diocesan School for Girls, Makhanda (Eastern Cape), invites applications for the position of Director of Advancement.

DSG is seeking a dynamic, strategic and experienced Director of Advancement to lead the school’s advancement functions, encompassing the Foundation, Marketing, Communications, Admissions and Alumni.

The successful candidate will foster the school’s growth, enhance its reputation and secure the resources needed to support its mission and long-term objectives. This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the Head of School.

THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE WILL:

• Hold an NQF Level 7 qualification in a relevant field such as business administration, marketing, communications or public relations.
• Have at least 8 years’ relevant professional experience, including significant leadership or management experience, with a proven track record of managing teams and delivering measurable results.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop, articulate and implement strategic plans that align with the school’s mission, values and goals.
• Have a strong understanding of marketing, communications, brand management and relationship development, with the ability to provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio that includes admissions, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrate the ability to use data and market insights to inform strategy, identify opportunities, improve customer experiences and deliver measurable results.
• Demonstrate sound financial management skills, including the ability to develop, manage and monitor budgets.
• Have strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise, delegate and manage multiple portfolios effectively.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify opportunities, solve complex problems and drive innovation and organisational change.

ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in an independent school or educational environment.
• Experience in driving fundraising initiatives, securing sponsorships, building strategic partnerships and managing donor relationships.
• Experience in developing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, loyalty and long-term participation.
• Knowledge of digital marketing, social media, website management and CRM systems.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should:

• Be creative, proactive, goal-oriented and resilient, with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Demonstrate strategic and critical thinking, sound judgement and the ability to see the bigger picture.
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence, adaptability and the ability to navigate a complex and evolving environment.
• Be a collaborative and inclusive leader who values teamwork, open communication and the ability to motivate, develop and empower others.
• Have the confidence and interpersonal skills to represent the School and act as an ambassador within the broader community.
• Share the values and vision of DSG, particularly in relation to transformation, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• Hold a valid driver’s licence and be able to provide a Sexual Offences Act Clearance Certificate and a Child Protection Registry Clearance Certificate.
• Commit to the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils and be willing to work extended hours when required.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The Diocesan School for Girls reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle an applicant to an interview. Applicants who do not hear from the school within two weeks should consider their application unsuccessful. DSG is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving employment equity.