Executive Director: Conservation Operations

CapeNature; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organisation is looking for an Executive Director in Cape Town to lead its Conservation Operations portfolio. This role involves strategic direction for conservation actions, management of the Protected Area estate, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have at least five years of senior management experience and a postgraduate qualification in relevant fields. The position offers benefits such as annual leave, staff discounts, and wellness support, all while aiming to positively impact the environment and promote sustainability.

Benefits

24 days of annual leave

Comprehensive health benefits

Staff discounts on accommodations

Opportunities for career progression

Free access to wellness services

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of senior management experience in the conservation sector.
• Bilingualism in at least two of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• Valid EB (08) driver's license.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance measures.
• Outstanding organisational and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand CapeNature’s Protected Area estate.
• Develop and implement conservation actions.
• Ensure compliance with biodiversity legislation.
• Lead and manage the Directorate’s people and teams.
• Strategically engage stakeholders for conservation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Corporate governance knowledge

Education

Post graduate qualification in conservation/biodiversity/environmental/social studies

Job description

Overview

CapeNature seeks to appoint an Executive Director for its Conservation Operations portfolio. This Executive Director provides strategic direction in the implementation of conservation actions across landscapes and includes reserve operations. The Executive Director responds directly to the Entity’s vision, mission, and legislative mandates described in the Strategic and Annual Performance Plans. The successful candidate will have exceptional leadership, management, communication, and technical ability to guide CapeNature in the implementation of holistic conservation actions in the Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand CapeNature’s Protected Area estate
• Develop and implement conservation actions
• Facilitate and enable access, sustainable use, community beneficiation and participation in the Western Cape biodiversity economy
• Implement compliance and enforcement in accordance with the Western Cape Biodiversity Act and other relevant provincial and national environmental legislation

Key response areas and performance indicators

• Provide strategic direction and management of conservation actions to enhance biodiversity resilience, mitigate loss, build ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives
• Coordinate the compilation and management of budgets, monitor cash flow, institute risk management and supply chain processes to achieve business objectives
• Direct, lead and manage the Directorate’s people, relationships and teams to achieve organisational goals
• Provide strategic direction and lead actions to advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance
• Provide strategic transversal integration and operationalisation across the related CapeNature Directorates
• Provide strategic leadership and participation in stakeholder engagement

Minimum requirements

• Post graduate qualification in the conservation/biodiversity/environmental/social studies fields
• At least five years’ senior management experience in the Conservation Sector (Dept. of Public Service Administration Post Levels 11 and 12)
• A valid EB (08) driver’s license
• Bilingualism in at least two of the official languages of the Western Cape
• Experience in contributing to strategies and plans
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance
• Extensive knowledge of corporate governance principles and managerial best practices
• Outstanding organisation and leadership abilities
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and public speaking skills

As an employee of CapeNature, you will enjoy

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape
• Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines
• Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Kindly note

It is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member of a medical aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.

CapeNature aligns with the Employment Equity Act and internal HR Policies.

The functions of this post will require travel within the Western Cape.

Remuneration

Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/ or other media where appropriate

Closing date: 13 February 2026