Director: Advancement and Communications (Grade 19)

The Director of Advancement and Communications provides strategic leadership and direction for the University's advancement initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for conceptualising, driving, and implementing comprehensive advancement strategies that support the University’s mission, vision, and long-term financial sustainability objectives.

An important aspect of this role is to cultivate, build, and sustain strong and meaningful relationships with donors, partners, alumni, and a broad range of stakeholders. Through these engagements, the Director is expected to strengthen philanthropic support, expand strategic partnerships, and enhance alumni engagement, thereby contributing significantly to the University’s financial sustainability. A key performance area for the role is expanding the University’s unencumbered funding base, ensuring the availability of flexible resources to allocate to institutional strategic priorities.

The Director: Advancement & Communications also provides oversight and leadership across media relations, fundraising operations, and the stewardship of the University’s brand and marketing identity. This includes protecting and enhancing the University’s reputation and positioning the institution effectively within the public domain.

Job Requirements

A relevant B. Degree (NQF level 7, a postgraduate qualification would be an advantage) plus approximately 7 years’ relevant experience, which includes: -

• Demonstrable success in fundraising or in any position where the achievement of revenue targets was seen as core to the success of the position
• Demonstrable success in running projects aimed at achieving support for philanthropic programmes
• Previous experience and sound evidence of the ability to influence and confidently advise diverse stakeholder groups
• At least 4 years experience leading a division/team
  

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A strong and succinct motivation which tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.
• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• All relevant certificates.

Please note that handwritten applications will not be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system.  Failure to submit all the required documentation and respond to all questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be addressed to Ms Ntosh Gongqa at [email protected] or 046 603 8616. The shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 19):

Cost to company per annum (approximately):   R 1 640 255

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 09 March 2026

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence, Rhodes University strongly encourages all suitably qualified candidates to apply for this position. 

Please note that all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended by the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.