PAST, the Palaeontological Scientific Trust, was founded in 1994 to preserve and promote Africa’s rich fossil heritage and to fund palaeontological research and education across the continent. Through research, education and promoting a public understanding of where we come from, PAST aims to benefit humankind in the present through a knowledge of our shared origins.

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa – PAST seeks to appoint a

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Reporting to the PAST Board and based at the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University in Johannesburg, the CEO takes full responsibility for the successful and sustainable functioning of PAST, driving the vision and the mission of the organization at a strategic level and keeping it vibrant and relevant, thus leading the organization into its next chapter. 

The CEO will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Governance: Liaising closely with the board and keeping them apprised of major developments
2. Stakeholder relationships: Managing all higher-level relationships with donors, partners and stakeholders
3. Fundraising and business development: Actively fundraising, building relationships with ongoing and new donors 
4. Report writing and oversight of reports to board, donors etc.
5. Oversight and overall management of all PAST projects and programmes
6. Overseeing the research grants programme
7. Advocacy and outreach
8. Overseeing all financial and operational aspects of the organization

The CEO must meet the following criteria:

1. Minimum Masters-level background in science, preferably the biological or geological sciences, and ideally with training and research experience in palaeontology (origin sciences). 
2. Proven management skills with some experience in the financial oversight of an organisation or department
3. Demonstrated skills in stakeholder and especially donor relations at a senior/executive level
4. Demonstrated track record in fundraising
5. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
6. Exceptional ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders 
7. Experience in marketing or brand management would be preferable
8. Evidence of commitment to advocating PAST’s philosophy of enhancing African scientific leadership in the origin sciences, educating youth and the general public about the social value of the origin sciences and embracing and promoting the ideals of PAST’s All from One campaign
9. Ability to advocate the relevance of the science to society today and the ability to relate the science to non-scientists in a very accessible and practical way 
10. Ability and experience in engaging with a Board of directors and managing the governance relationships
11. A strong leader who is personable, sensitive, empathetic, with a high level of emotional intelligence
12. Passionate about the mission and vision of PAST and its goal to gain recognition for Africa as a region of excellence in the field of paleontology

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 06^th December 2024 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za