About the Organisation
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations, founded in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. Our purpose is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. We find, fund, and empower young Africans who aspire to use their talents to serve their societies and our continent. We do this by providing a postgraduate scholarship for young leaders to study in South Africa and participate in a residential Leadership Development Programme. Our programmes are built on Nelson Mandela’s belief that leadership begins with inner transformation, and our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over the past 20 years the MRF has awarded 622 Mandela Rhodes Scholarships to young leaders from 33 African countries.
About the Job
The External Relations Director’s purpose is to enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact by building stakeholder relationships and communicating effectively. The director is accountable for driving two key aspects of our vision: firstly, building a thriving community of Mandela Rhodes Alumni who espouse our values throughout their lives, whose collaborations increase our impact, and who remain invested in the MRF. Secondly, a Foundation that communicates strategically and compellingly, accurately conveying its brand essence and appealing to target audiences, and that has a relevant voice and place in society. This role reports directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
Developing and implementing the departmental strategy, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals as set by the CEO, and the team’s capacity each year
Identifying, establishing and maintaining advantageous relationships and partnerships with stakeholders who can advance the Foundation’s strategic pillars
Actively building the alumni community and increasing the impact of its members by: facilitating Alumni connections and development via events, regional networks, opportunities for career development, and the communications strategy. Overseeing and providing leadership and mentorship to the junior alumni relations manager
Ensuring the MRF brand remains relevant and that our communications relate to our community effectively, enhance the reputation and the impact of the MRF in broader society, and attract top quality candidates.
Overseeing and providing leadership and mentorship to the communications officer who is responsible for much of the work
Requirements
A minimum of an undergraduate degree, ideally in communications, marketing or PR
5-7 years of work experience in a relevant role, such as marketing and communications or PR, alumni relations, or development & fundraising
Must have skill and experience with digital marketing & SEO, as well as website management. Not necessarily technical, but must be able to liaise with supplier to maintain and periodically update website
Must be familiar with Mailchimp or similar
Outstanding verbal and written communication – can produce or manage the production of a variety of types of communication ranging from press releases and crisis statements, to internal communications, drafts of speeches and letters, etc
Editorial: can interpret high-level vision of the Foundation to develop editorial direction for MRF publications and platforms
Copy-editing: can edit copy to a high standard of clarity and correctness
Public speaking and presentation skills
Candidates must be willing to relocate to Cape Town, and willing to travel periodically
To apply
Application instructions:
1. CV with three references and contact details (email and phone)
2. Completed AA bio summary form
3. Motivation letter: tell us about your life journey thus far that has brought you to the point of applying for this role. Also include why you feel you are uniquely positioned to contribute to our next phase of growth and development
4. Essay with the following instruction
The purpose of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. In no more than 1000 words, tell us your views on the following:
(a) The key principles that inform your approach to leadership
(b) You analysis of the current state of leadership capacity in Africa
Please send all documents in MS word format by Friday 27th October 2023 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
To request additional information and institutional context that can assist your preparation for the role, please email melissa@actionappointments.co.za
About the Organisation
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations, founded in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. Our purpose is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. We find, fund, and empower young Africans who aspire to use their talents to serve their societies and our continent. We do this by providing a postgraduate scholarship for young leaders to study in South Africa and participate in a residential Leadership Development Programme. Our programmes are built on Nelson Mandela’s belief that leadership begins with inner transformation, and our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over the past 20 years the MRF has awarded 622 Mandela Rhodes Scholarships to young leaders from 33 African countries.
About the Job
The External Relations Director’s purpose is to enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact by building stakeholder relationships and communicating effectively. The director is accountable for driving two key aspects of our vision: firstly, building a thriving community of Mandela Rhodes Alumni who espouse our values throughout their lives, whose collaborations increase our impact, and who remain invested in the MRF. Secondly, a Foundation that communicates strategically and compellingly, accurately conveying its brand essence and appealing to target audiences, and that has a relevant voice and place in society. This role reports directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
Developing and implementing the departmental strategy, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals as set by the CEO, and the team’s capacity each year
Identifying, establishing and maintaining advantageous relationships and partnerships with stakeholders who can advance the Foundation’s strategic pillars
Actively building the alumni community and increasing the impact of its members by: facilitating Alumni connections and development via events, regional networks, opportunities for career development, and the communications strategy. Overseeing and providing leadership and mentorship to the junior alumni relations manager
Ensuring the MRF brand remains relevant and that our communications relate to our community effectively, enhance the reputation and the impact of the MRF in broader society, and attract top quality candidates.
Overseeing and providing leadership and mentorship to the communications officer who is responsible for much of the work
Requirements
A minimum of an undergraduate degree, ideally in communications, marketing or PR
5-7 years of work experience in a relevant role, such as marketing and communications or PR, alumni relations, or development & fundraising
Must have skill and experience with digital marketing & SEO, as well as website management. Not necessarily technical, but must be able to liaise with supplier to maintain and periodically update website
Must be familiar with Mailchimp or similar
Outstanding verbal and written communication – can produce or manage the production of a variety of types of communication ranging from press releases and crisis statements, to internal communications, drafts of speeches and letters, etc
Editorial: can interpret high-level vision of the Foundation to develop editorial direction for MRF publications and platforms
Copy-editing: can edit copy to a high standard of clarity and correctness
Public speaking and presentation skills
Candidates must be willing to relocate to Cape Town, and willing to travel periodically
To apply
Application instructions:
1. CV with three references and contact details (email and phone)
2. Completed AA bio summary form
3. Motivation letter: tell us about your life journey thus far that has brought you to the point of applying for this role. Also include why you feel you are uniquely positioned to contribute to our next phase of growth and development
4. Essay with the following instruction
The purpose of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. In no more than 1000 words, tell us your views on the following:
(a) The key principles that inform your approach to leadership
(b) You analysis of the current state of leadership capacity in Africa
Please send all documents in MS word format by Friday 27th October 2023 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
To request additional information and institutional context that can assist your preparation for the role, please email melissa@actionappointments.co.za
