Head of Business Development & Partnerships (Johannesburg)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and highly connected Head of Business Development & Partnerships to lead fundraising, strategic partnerships and commercial growth for a leading non‑profit focused on digital skills development and youth employment across South Africa and the wider Sub‑Saharan region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organisation’s business development and fundraising strategy.
• Secure funding from corporates, CSI programmes, government, foundations, international donors and development agencies.
• Build and manage a diversified funding pipeline, including multi‑year grants and commercial partnerships.
• Negotiate and finalise partnership agreements, grant contracts and commercial service agreements.
• Identify and develop commercial revenue opportunities aligned with the skills‑development offering.
• Lead regional expansion efforts, establishing relationships with partners and funders in new markets.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to prepare proposals, budgets, impact reports and partnership strategies.

Required profile

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in business development, fundraising, strategic partnerships or commercial growth.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing senior teams.
• Proven track record of securing multi‑million Rand funding and long‑term strategic partnerships.
• Extensive network within corporate, government, donor and development sectors in South Africa.

Required skills

• Strong relationship‑building and negotiation capabilities.
• Strategic thinking with ability to translate opportunities into actionable plans.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to monitor performance metrics and provide market insights.