Executive Director

Craft School South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit educational initiative in South Africa is seeking a volunteer Independent Executive Director to provide oversight, governance, and strategic guidance. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience and a background in education or social impact. This role is crucial for ensuring the organization's sustainability and social impact. Applicants should be prepared to commit their expertise and time for board meetings and organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Non-Executive Director or governance professional.
• Minimum 8–10 years of leadership experience in a relevant sector.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to governance requirements and policies.
• Contribute to the school's long-term strategic plan.
• Ensure effective internal controls and financial governance.

Skills

Governance expertise

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Professional certification

Background in education or social impact

Job description

Job Outline : Independent Executive Director- A voluntary position (probono) Organisation : Craft School South Africa (NPC registration Cape Craft School) Location : Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, South Africa Reports to : Founder Justin Van Breda and the Board About Craft School South Africa Teaching skills for real-time job demand. Craft School South Africa (CSSA) is a new initiative of teaching traditional and contemporary craft skills.

Our mission is to empower previously disadvantaged youngpeople with a minimum of a school leavers grade 10) through craft-based education,creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering cultural heritage, and getting our learners intojobs where there is a skills gapWe provide high-quality, practical training in disciplines such as furniture making, sewing,textiles, and ironwork, with a vision to expand our craft offerings annually.As a Non-Profit Company (NPC), we are committed to excellence in governance, ethicalleadership, and long-term social impact.The first school is based in Cape Town (opening February

• with schools following yearon year, with Stellenbosch in
• and Johannesburg in
• Further information can be found on the website Position OverviewCSSA, having launched our main fundraising campaign on 20th August, is expanding theboard of directors (executive and non-executive) to reflect the intended national outreach ofthe programme.The Independent Director will serve on the Board of Directors of Craft School South Africaand aid the board in strategic guidance, governance oversight, and specialist expertise toensure the organisation achieves its mission with transparency, sustainability, andaccountability.

This role requires independence and the ability to provide objective, high-levelinput while maintaining appropriate oversight without involvement in daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to all governance requirements under the South African Companies Act and King IV principles.
  • Provide oversight of policies, compliance frameworks, and ethical standards.
  • Actively participate in 4 annual board meetings, bringing objective judgment to decision-making processes.
• Strategic Oversight
  • Contribute to the development and monitoring of the school's long-term strategic plan.
  • Provide expert insight into business growth, partnerships, and sustainability strategies.
  • Offer independent perspectives on key decisions affecting the school's mission and operations.
• Financial & Risk Management
  • Ensure effective internal controls and financial governance are in place.
  • Advise on risk mitigation strategies related to operations, sustainability, and compliance.
• Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Support the organisation's reputation by upholding its values and ethical standards.
  • Assist in building strong networks and relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Where appropriate, champion fundraising and resource mobilisation efforts at a strategic level.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a Non-Executive Director, governance professional, or senior executive.
• Background in education, art, social impact, corporate governance, law, finance, or risk management is advantageous.
• Minimum 8–10 years of leadership experience in a relevant sector.
• Professional certification.

Core Competencies

• Independence and integrity in decision-making.
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to commit sufficient time for board responsibilities and committee work.
• Passion for education, skills development, and social impact.

Term & Remuneration

Appointment Term : a volunteer position; up to 3 years, renewable based on performance, contribution, and organisational needs.

Cape Craft School NPC PBO trades as Craft School South Africa