Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About the role

The National Arts Festival and the Grahamstown Foundation are seeking a visionary leader to serve as Joint Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Board, you will oversee both organisations, guiding strategic direction and ensuring operational excellence across the festival, the Monument building, and the foundation’s activities.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver strategic outcomes jointly defined with the Board of Directors.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations, develop an organogram and allocate resources to meet organisational objectives.
• Act as primary spokesperson and brand custodian for both entities.
• Implement Board policies, prepare comprehensive reports, stakeholder dashboards, management accounts and risk mitigation analyses.
• Serve as Executive Director and Company Secretary, convening and attending all Board and Exco meetings.
• Oversee the maintenance and commercial development of the Monument building and its conferencing business.

Required profile

• Proven senior executive experience in the cultural, arts or non‑profit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams (approximately 24 staff).
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving transformative learning and cultural impact.
• Strong governance and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Market‑related remuneration negotiated with the successful candidate.
• Five‑year fixed‑term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Opportunity to shape the future of two iconic South African cultural institutions.