Head of Strategy, Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy

Funda Wande; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education advocacy organization in Cape Town seeks a Head of Strategy, Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy. This role involves leading the development and execution of strategic initiatives to promote early-grade learning. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and a strong ability in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. The position offers the opportunity to impact education in South Africa significantly and requires strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in similar roles within philanthropy or education sectors.
• High understanding of strategy planning and grant management.
• Experience in budgeting and financial procedures.
• Ability to support a diverse team.
• Experience in rapidly growing organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Funda Wande’s strategic plan.
• Manage relationships with Grant / Donors effectively.
• Design and implement advocacy and communications strategy.
• Input into annual budget for the unit.
• Monitor financial planning and reporting.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

Four-year Bachelor's degree in Strategic Management or related field

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Office

PMO software programs

Job description

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Strategy, Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy’s key responsibilities will be leading the development and implementation of Funda Wande’s strategy, partnerships, communications and advocacy initiatives. The role will require a strong understanding of the organisation's mission, values, and goals, and the ability to develop and execute strategies that align with these. This role will support the organisation’s growth through the proactive management of strategic partnerships, the development and delivery of advocacy positions and will thus help build the profile of Funda Wande as an advocate for evidence-based early-grade learning evolving demands.

Objectives of Role

Strategy Thinking, Planning & Leadership

• Lead the development, monitoring and reporting of FW’s Strategic Plan through engaging and collaborating with EXCO, MANCO and other relevant stakeholders for input
• Design a balanced scorecard and measurement mechanism for tracking and achieving strategic and operational objectives.
• Research the sector to understand the key risks and opportunities aligned to Funda Wande’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Ensure that the unit’s operational plan is aligned with the organisation strategy.
• Compile quarterly and annual reports for Funda Wande-widely, AGGPSA and the Board.
• Participates as a member of the Executive and Management Committees.

Grant Management & Fundraising

• Lead the development of the Grant / Donor / Funder strategic framework, with yearly objectives and programmes.
• Lead strategic engagements with current and future Grant / Donor / Funders to secure sustainable funding and partnerships aligned with our “2030 Goal” and annual strategic objectives.
• Develop a Data Management System to house all FW Grant / Donor / Funder agreements and related information
• Plan, manage and coordinate all Grant / Donor / Funder activities, engagements and reporting (monthly, quarterly and yearly) requirements on behalf of FW)

Strategic Alliances & Effective Leadership of Communications and Advocacy Strategy Development

• Design and implement Funda Wande’s advocacy and communications strategy
• Ensure stakeholder engagements and advocacy initiatives are planned, and stakeholder relationships maintained, followed through and reported on accordingly
• Design Stakeholder Mapping; identify collaboration opportunities; monitor and report on stakeholders and politically significant activities affecting the foundation phase sector.
• Monitor, track, and report on overall communications portfolio including social media, website and other communication platforms
• Oversee Funda Wande’s branding and communications protocols and engagement platforms
• Ensure talent management and development planning for the unit (i.e. job descriptions, recruitment & selection, onboarding, performance management, wellness management, training and development, discipline and responsibility, talent engagements, etc.) is in place and carried out in accordance with all HR Policies and Processes for both internal and independent contractors - in consultation with /support of HR team.

Budget Management & Support

• Input into Annual Budget and ensure financial planning, tracking and reporting on the Budget for the unit (i.e. plan, schedule, and cost activities according to allocated budget).
• Budget holder and sign off per set thresholds for procurement of goods and services (e.g. materials, independent contractors, office equipment, courier services, etc.) on planned activities
• Make reasonable adjustments while maintaining the approved budget total for the intervention

Experience and Qualifications

• A four year Bachelor’s degree or Honours, in Strategic Management, Finance, Operations, Communications, or related field.
• Masters degree will be advantageous
• Minimum 5 years’ experience at a similar level coordinating similar roles within the philanthropy, education, or development sector.
• A high level of understanding of strategy planning cycle management; grant making and advocacy
• Considerable experience in budgeting/financial procedures
• Proven ability to provide technical support and guidance to a diverse team
• Good knowledge and understanding of key aspects of development work within the NPO & education sectors
• Experience monitoring processes and systems in new and rapidly growing organizations.
• Experience in working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Flexible with proven ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through
  analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Technically competent with various Microsoft Office & PMO software programs, etc.

Competencies

• Business Acumen & Brand Awareness
• Strategic Alliances & Effective Leadership
• Budget & Financial Management
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• People Management
• Analytical & Forward Thinking
• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Ethics & integrity