About the Organisation
PAST, the Palaeontological Scientific Trust, was founded in 1994 to preserve and promote Africa’s rich fossil heritage and to fund palaeontological research and education across the continent. Through research, education and promoting a public understanding of where we come from, PAST aims to benefit humankind in the present through a knowledge of our shared origins.
About the Job
Reporting to the PAST Board and based at the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University in Johannesburg, the CEO takes full responsibility for the successful and sustainable functioning of PAST, driving the vision and the mission of the organization at a strategic level and keeping it vibrant and relevant, thus leading the organization into its next chapter
Key Responsibilities
Governance:
Ensuring that the required Board meetings take place.
Preparing reports to the Board including Board packs and the Trustees Report for the Annual Financial Statements.
Overseeing the completion of the Annual Financial Statements in conjunction with the financial officer.
Stakeholder Relations
PAST works with many partners and stakeholders and it is a key function of the CEO to ensure that all relationships run smoothly and effectively to ensure that PAST is able to fulfil its mission. This includes liaising with stakeholders at all levels including: Academics and scientists, Donors, Senior education professionals, Corporate and government executives, University and museum officials, Grant applicants and awardees, Service providers and other partners.
Fundraising and Business Development
Identifying influential people and sourcing new funding opportunities.
Recruiting new members to PAST’s Shared Origins Club.
Writing new and renewal funding proposals & securing fundraising (closing the deal).
Report writing
The CEO has overall responsibility for all PAST reports, proposals, written submissions etc. This includes: Reports for Board meetings, Proposals and reports to donors, PAST Annual Report, All other PAST publications.
Project and Programme Management
Guiding the operation and development of the research grants programme in conjunction with the Chief Scientist.
Managing and overseeing the school education and public understanding programme in conjunction with the Programme Director.
Grantmaking
Screen applications in conjunction with the Chief Scientist and Scientific Advisory Committee.
Ensure that the Board approves grant decisions.
Ensure timeous notification of funding decisions to applicants.
Advocacy and Marketing
All campaign management and marketing the organization at all opportunities.
Overseeing the production and dissemination of PAST media, social media and publications & hosting events.
Advocating for the organization and its needs.
Overseeing the finances and management of the staff
1. Overseeing the finances includes:
Coordinating with the finance officer around expenses and disbursements.
Drawing up budgets including a high-level budget for the organisation.
Overall responsibility for annual financial statements and ensuring clean audits.
2. Management of staff
PAST currently has a small staff, but this may grow and it is the responsibility of the CEO to ensure that new staff are recruited and onboarded as required and that all staff are working to the best of their ability.
Requirements
Preferred background in science, especially the palaeontological, geological or biological sciences, and minimally a deep appreciation for the role of science in society.
Proven executive management experience required.
Proven management skills with some experience in the financial oversight of an organisation or department.
Demonstrated skills in stakeholder and especially donor relations at a senior/executive level.
Demonstrated track record in fundraising.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Exceptional ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience in marketing or brand management would be preferable.
Evidence of commitment to advocating PAST’s philosophy of enhancing African scientific leadership in the origin sciences, educating youth and the general public about the social value of the origin sciences and embracing and promoting the ideals of PAST’s All from One campaign.
Ability to advocate the relevance of the science to society today and the ability to relate the science to non-scientists in a very accessible and practical way.
Ability and experience in engaging with a Board of directors and managing the governance relationships.
A strong leader who is personable, sensitive, empathetic, with a high level of emotional intelligence.
Passionate about the mission and vision of PAST and its goal to gain recognition for Africa as a region of excellence in the field of paleontology and prehistoric archaeology.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Sunday, 18th January 2026 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za
