Description

Lead Advancement where Education Changes the World

At Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (WK), education is more than academic excellence – it’s a force for justice, community and change. Join a school that transforms lives and inspires young people to create a better world. Lead an advancement effort that will shape the next generation of opportunity and impact.

Why Waterford Kamhlaba? Why Now?

WK past-parent and grandparent Nelson Mandela once observed “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  This belief has been at the core of our mission since 1963, when Waterford Kamhlaba became the first school in Southern Africa founded as a nonracial educational institution. It demonstrated that students from a wide array of races, colours, cultures and religions could live, learn and thrive together—a bold challenge to the foundations of apartheid and racism everywhere.

The world has changed since Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela chose Waterford Kamhlaba for their children—as did fellow anti-apartheid leaders Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu, and Walter and Albertina Sisulu—but the sweeping imperative of equipping young people with the sense of purpose, understanding, and tools to make change and seek justice in Africa and the world beyond remains as strong as ever.

Today, Waterford is moving forward in a new phase of growth and renewal. The school’s leadership team is strong, its mission clear and its global impact greater than ever. And WK is doubling down on ensuring that students from Africa and around the globe have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of a WK education.

Waterford Kamhlaba is a proud member of United World Colleges, a movement of 18 schools and colleges around the globe. WK has 610+ students from 65+ countries spread across seven years (grades), culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

What You’ll Lead

You will shape Waterford Kamhlaba’s impact for generations to come.

As Director, you will report to the Principal (Head of School) and lead WK’s fundraising, alumni engagement and communications initiatives. Key priorities include launching the school’s first true annual campaign and supporting WK’s global comprehensive campaign. You and your team will grow philanthropy that fuels access, innovation and sustainability. You’ll lead and mentor a small professional team, developing strategy and storytelling that inspire a worldwide community to give generously.

How We’ll Support You

You’ll have a clear mandate, committed leadership and collaborative colleagues. Access to the United World College network, WK Governing Council and its Advancement Committee will strengthen your impact. This is a build-and-shape opportunity – you’ll help design the systems and culture that define WK’s next chapter in advancement.

Success in 12–24 Months

Within the first year, you will establish a high-performing advancement team and begin implementing key initiatives. By the end of the second year, those efforts will translate into strong results, expanded giving, measurable success of the annual campaign and meaningful progress in regional fundraising.

To apply and for further information
To apply, please share your CV and a 1–2 page letter outlining your motivation and why you are a great fit for this role. We are pleased to be partnered with expert social development recruiters, CCA Recruitment & Consulting, to support the appointment of this role. For more information on CCA and their work, please visit https://www.charitycareersafrica.com/vacancies.

Requirements

About You

• You are a seasoned advancement professional with global perspective and a heart for mission
• You have proven success managing major gift portfolios and annual campaigns, and leading high-functioning teams
• You are a natural storyteller who inspires generosity and connection.You are skilled in strategy, systems and people leadership
• You are collaborative, curious and committed to WK’s ideals of justice, deliberate diversity and purpose-driven learning
• You are fluent in English and comfortable working across cultures and time zones

Minimum qualifications

• Commitment to the mission and values of the School
• Bachelor’s degree
• At least six years of progressively responsible advancement experience, including supervision of staff, major gift fundraising, team leadership and work with governing boards
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing five-to six-figure gifts
• Demonstrated skill at integrating annual and major gift campaigns, corporate fundraising, and foundation proposals to form an efficient, coordinated advancement program
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Highly developed organizational and analytical skills
• Work on site (Mbabane, Eswatini)

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Strong record of professional fundraising courses and training
• Experience in educational organizations
• Strong public speaker