Overview
Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jobs in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa at Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
Title: Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Company: Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
Location: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- National Arts Festival; Grahamstown Foundation
Joint Chief Executive Officer for National Arts Festival Grahamstown and the Grahamstown Foundation
- Deadline:
31 May 2026
- Region:
Makhanda, Eastern Cape
- Salary:
Market related
- Type of employment:
Full time
Job Description
- Reporting to: Board
- Direct Reports: Technical and Operations Director, Artistic Director, Finance Manager
- Job Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
- Salary: A market related salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate
- Start date: It is hoped that the successful candidate will commence employment as soon as possible, but preferably no later than 1 July 2026.
- Duration: 5 year fixed term contract
The CEO plays a dual role, serving also as the CEO of the Grahamstown Foundation. This requires ongoing management of the affairs of the Foundation and, primarily, the maintenance and management of the Monument building and development of the conferencing business in the Monument.
The Core Responsibilities Of The Role Are
- Accountability for ensuring delivery of strategic outcomes identified jointly with the Board of Directors.
- Accountability for all aspects of the running of the business according to an agreed plan, and shall develop and manage an organogram and deploy resources as necessary to successfully achieve the Company’s objectives.
- Acting as the primary spokesperson and brand custodian for the Company.
- Ensuring the implementation of all policies and practices as laid out by the Board from time to time.
The CEO serves as an Executive Director of the Company and as its Company Secretary. In this capacity they:
- Convene and attend all Board and Exco meetings
- Prepare full reports for Board and Exco, including status reports; stakeholder dashboards; management accounts and risk analysis and mitigation reports.
The Vision
We aren't just looking for an administrator; we are looking for a visionary. The Boards of these two storied organizations are joining forces to appoint a Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
You Will Be The Architect Of Our Next Chapter, Leading a Dedicated Team Of 24 Experts To Bring Our Shared Mission To Life
- Inspiring imaginative and creative thinking.
- Building a better South Africa through transformative learning.
- Creating spaces where cultures collide, connect, and celebrate.
The Opportunity
You join us at a pivotal "mid-stream" moment. Our Joint Strategic Planning Process is underway, and as the incoming CEO, you won’t just follow a map—you will help draw it. You will refine our positioning and navigate the path ahead for these two cultural titans.
Our Flagship: The "Bubble of AMAZING"
We are best known for the legendary 11-day National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Every year, the city transforms into a vibrant "bubble of AMAZING," a platform where thousands of artists and tens of thousands of audience members witness the transformative power of performance.
Beyond the applause, the Festival is a cornerstone of the South African cultural economy, providing a vital spark to the City and the Province.
Roles and Responsibilities
Key Performance Areas and Tasks
- Lead the process of developing the Company’s strategy in line with the Company’s stated Vision and Mission
- In consultation with the Board, formulate a 5-year strategic plan for the Company that aligns with the Vision and mission articulated in the Company’s Memorandum of Incorporation.
- Developing a business plan to ensure delivery of the strategy
- Identify the key areas of delivery of the strategy
- Identify, in consultation with the Exco and management team, specific projects and programmes that align with the Company’s strategic objectives
- Formulate a business plan for the projects and programmes, including a resource plan and budget
- Take accountability for the implementation of the strategy and leading the Festival team
- Delegate responsibility for the fulfillment of aspects of the Business Plan to members of the Management Team
- Monitor the progress of each project or programme to ensure successful delivery
- Seeking out new opportunities, aligned with the Company’s overall strategy. Developing business plans, budgets and human resources required for new projects and programmes
- Identify, on an ongoing basis, new opportunities for both new projects and opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and sponsorship generation
- Develop business cases for new projects, drawing on the expertise of the team to conceptualise and implement innovative projects that help the Company achieve its Mission.
- Identifying, contracting with and managing all stakeholders and funders
- Manage Festival funders, entering into agreements for both specific projects and support for the Festival as a whole
- Ensure compliance with funding agreements
- Identify and pursue new funding and partnership opportunities that align with the Company’s strategic plan
- Ensuring Company compliance with all legislation, regulations, industry codes and stipulations of specific funders and investors
- Develop an understanding of all governance requirements and reporting requirements, and oversee accurate compliance.
- Ensure that the finances of both the National Arts Festival and Grahamstown Foundation are managed on a sustainable basis.
- Develop, implement and monitor cash flow forecasts, budgets and reporting mechanisms.
- Take responsibility for the Strategic Marketing Plan of the Company and conceptualise and direct the Marketing plan.
- Act as primary custodian of the Festival brand, and those of the various projects for which it is accountable
- Working with the team and outside suppliers ensure a brand strategy is articulated and implemented
- Ensure the maintenance and development of the Company’s key fixed assets – the Monument and Power Station buildings – and develop and implement plans to utilize them toward the Company’s strategic purpose.
- Identify opportunities to utilize the assets in the furtherance of the aims of the Company, and implement plans and partnerships to realise those opportunities
Qualifications And Requirements
Are You Our Next Visionary Leader?
The Ideal Candidate Isn’t Just An Executive; They Are a Champion Of The Arts With The Grit Of a Seasoned Strategist. We Are Looking For a CEO Who Brings
The Creative Edge
- Unapologetic Passion: You don't just "support" the arts; you live for them. Your career is built on 10–15 years of senior leadership within the cultural sector or a creative parallel.
- A Master Communicator: Whether you’re addressing a national media scrum, penning a strategic vision, or inspiring your team of 50, you speak with clarity, charisma, and conviction.
The Strategic Engine
- Financial Artistry: You navigate budgets, cash flow forecasting, and complex reporting with precision. You treat financial health as the foundation for creative freedom.
- Change Catalyst: You have a proven track record of steering organizations through evolution. You don’t just manage change; you master it.
- Dual-Lens Leadership: You are equally comfortable at 30,000 feet mapping out long-term strategy as you are on the ground ensuring operational excellence.
The Power of Connection
- The Ultimate Closer: You have a "golden touch" for securing private-sector sponsorships and building high-impact partnerships.
- Political Savvy: You are a veteran of the South African funding landscape, moving seamlessly between public entities (DSAC, NLC, Provincial Government) and private philanthropists.
The Drive
- Boundless Energy: This isn’t a 9-to-5. You thrive on the adrenaline of festival season, are ready to travel extensively, and have the stamina to lead from the front when the curtain rises.
How to apply
To Be Considered For This Role, You Need To
- Submit a covering letter of no more than two pages in which you outline a vision for the National Arts Festival and considers the evolving role it plays in the South African arts landscape. It should also highlight your personal attributes and experience that make you suited for the role.
- Submit a CV outlining present and past work experience, all educational qualifications, and the contact details of three references. At least one of these references needs to be from a current or previous employer. References will only be contacted after the first interview.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to give consent to background reference and criminal checks and will be required to undergo psychometric testing.
The above documentation needs to be sent by email to [email protected] no later than 5pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.
Late applications will not be considered. Candidates selected for a preliminary interview will be contacted in the course of June 2026.
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- Date posted:
15 May 2026
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