African School for Excellence (ASE) Current Opening

African School for Excellence (ASE) is a nonprofit organisation developing a unique concept: a self-sustaining network of elite independent secondary schools that anyone can afford with innovative classroom model which uses technology and peer teaching to leverage a few skilled teachers in an environment of high expectations and rapid feedback. ASE allows disadvantaged South African youth to become world-class scholars and leaders who will transform their communities.

Job Title: Executive Director
Job Location: Gauteng
Report to: The African School for Excellence Board

The purpose of the Executive Director is to establish and execute major goals and objectives for the organisation. Implement policies established by the board of directors. Provides leadership, direction and guidance of Organisation’s activities. Analyse and evaluate the effectiveness all organisation operations. Develop and maintain organisational structure and effective personnel. Coordinate major activities through subordinates and appraises assigned personnel. Represent the Organisation to regulatory bodies, other agencies, community and civic organisations, donors, funders and supporters, and the public.

Responsibilities:

Administration

• Ensures administrative staff remains current to organisation business and Board directives/approvals that affect their functions and areas of responsibility
• Works with the Board of Directors on governance policy issues by providing support and by initiating approved recommendations or actions
• Ensures compliance to minimum standards in accordance with all government legislation, regulations and guidelines pertinent to the organisation’s role as an employer and nonprofit agency
• Recommends to the Board changes to policies and procedures that would improve the organisation
• Develops, maintains, and up-dates job descriptions pertinent to the organisation
• Determines staff training and / or equipment needs of clerical and administrative employees, considering annual budget allocations
• Submits all information, reports and records as requested or required by law to appropriate government officials or the board of directors
• Develops and implements operational plans, policies, and goals that further strategic objectives

Fundraising and Financial

• Work with staff and the Board (Finance Committee) to prepare a comprehensive budget
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organisation
• Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organisation
• Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
• Administer the funds of the organisation according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organisation
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organisation
• Ensure that the organisation complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments

Community Engagement

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organisation and to identify changes in the community served by the organisation
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organisations to help achieve the goals of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at community activities to enhance the organisation’s community profile and conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate

Governance

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organisation
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organisation
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organisation’s activities
• Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
• In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organisation
• Ensure that the operation of the organisation meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organisation
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organisational policies, review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy / confidentiality is maintained
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

Requirements:

• University Degree in a related field
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to nonprofit / voluntary organisations
• Knowledge of all national and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organisations
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organisation
• Knowledge of human resources management
• Knowledge of financial management
• Knowledge of project management
• Computer literacy, Word processing, Financial management, E-mail and Internet
• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and / or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organisation
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organisation
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organisation and to create new opportunities
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organisational parameters
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organisational effectiveness
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organisation
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organisation
• Organise: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organisation forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem
• Minimum of five years of progressive management experience in an NPO sector organisation
• Should expect a standard work week, but additionally will often work evenings, weekends, and other extra hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organisation at public events
• Willingness to travel

To apply, submit your CV to [email protected] with the subject heading “Executive Director”

Application Deadline: 31st August, 2018