Executive Director

Earth Centre

Executive Director at Earth Centre NPC

Deadline:

05 September 2025

Region:

Gauteng

Salary:

Volunteer position

Type of employment:

Flexitime

Job Description

Facing financial and operational challenges, the Centre requires dynamic leadership to drive sustainability, growth, and impact.

Location: Ruimsig, Gauteng, South Africa (with hybrid engagement flexibility).

Position Type: Volunteer-based (honorarium negotiable based on budget availability). The Board is committed to transitioning this role into a remunerated position aligned with the EARTH Centres financial sustainability targets, performance-linked criteria, and employment equity and transparency principles.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Purpose of the Role: To lead and strategically develop the Earth Centre as a flagship provider of Equine-Assisted Therapy. The Executive Director will focus on raising visibility, mobilizing funding, forming strategic partnerships, acquiring and maintaining a suitable herd, and supporting the Board in governance and sustainability planning.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Guide the organisations vision; develop multi-year strategic goals, objectives, and strategic targets and programmes; and work closely with the board to drive impact and growth.
Implement the board approved multi-year strategic plan.

Operational and Programme Management

Manage daily operations including human and equine resources, compliance, reporting, and programme implementation.
Build a strong culture of collaboration and accountability.
Assess organisational strengths, identify development areas, and implement targeted capacity-building programmes for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Ensure effective policy and procedure development.

Financial Management

Create and manage the annual budget, ensure financial sustainability, and oversee all accounting and financial compliance tasks.

Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

Create and execute a fundraising strategy for donors, CSI programs, and grants.
Lead and manage all fundraising efforts including online donations, grants, events, and individual donations.
Develop donor proposals and manage reporting obligations.
Cultivate sustainable relationships and partnerships with educational institutions, rehabilitation centres, disability advocacy organisations, private and government institutions with active corporate CSI programmes, and veterinary services to enhance the EARTH Centres reach, expand its donor base, and ensure its financial sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Serve as the public face of the EARTH Centre. Build and maintain community partnerships, handle media relations, and promote the Centres mission.
Position the Centre as a leader in inclusive therapy services.

Equine and Facility Management

Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare in the acquisition, care, retirement, and ethical treatment of all equine therapy partners in accordance with international equine welfare standards and norms.
Work with therapists and vets to optimize therapy outcomes.

Governance and Board Support

Act as a bridge between board and staff. Keep the board informed, involved, and aligned with organisational goals.
Report to and support the Board of Directors by contributing to effective governance. This includes (but is not limited to) annual audits, regulatory compliance and reporting, compliance with the Companies and NPO Act, and ensuring that the EARTH Centre complies with the highest standards of financial accountability and ethical leadership.

Qualifications And Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek a leader with a background in non-profit management, fundraising, or strategic development. Experience in child development, therapy, education, or equine care is advantageous. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a passion for community service and animal rights, and the ability to work with limited resources while creating sustainable impact.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Non-Profit Management, Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
510 years of experience in leadership or fundraising roles.
Familiarity with South African NPO regulations and funding landscape.

Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please submit a CV, cover letter, and a motivation statement to:

Email: ceo@earthcentre.org.za

Enquiries: Mahlatsi Manyama (084 269 6413)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. Reasonable accommodations will be made during the recruitment process.

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