Executive Director

The ‘Hands Off District Six Conference’ of 1988 led to the formation of the District Six Museum Foundation in 1989. The Foundation established the Museum which was launched on 10 December 1994 with its inaugural exhibition called ‘Streets: Retracing District Six’.

Leading up to this, the Museum existed as a peripatetic movement between 1989 and 1994, building support for the work of memory through creating collecting points and storytelling opportunities in different parts of the city. The diaspora of District Sixers played an important role in shaping and contributing to the Museum’s exhibition and programme, and they continue to be pivotal to the ongoing work of memory and holistic restitution. 

Based in Cape Town – District Six Museum seeks to appoint an

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Do you want to be part of a cutting edge heritage institution? Would you like to join a dynamic and creative staff team who are committed to telling the story of forced removals in Cape Town and South Africa, and exploring contemporary legacies?

The Museum is seeking a new director who will drive the sustainability of the organisation through resource mobilisation, sound financial planning/management and the establishment of an endowment.

The Museum is on an exciting trajectory as it engages new audiences whilst retaining its core community-oriented approach. The new director will need to understand the importance of marketing and communications, driving this aspect of the Museum’s work in  keeping with its values and ethos.

If you are passionate about these issues and if you have the following skills, you should consider coming to work for the District Six Museum.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following tasks and duties, among others:

Organisational Strategy, Leadership, Management

1. Provide leadership relating to vision, mission, strategy and programmes of the Museum

2. Maintain a sustainable organisation in terms of staff, resources (income), profile and reputation

3. Exercise financial oversight

Resource Mobilisation (financial, human, material)

1. Bear primary responsibility for fundraising to support the sustainability of the Museum by soliciting funding to support the implementation of the operational plan

2. Serve as the primary  contact with prospects, donors and strategic partners

3. Network to build relationships and  create opportunities for support, both financial and other

Operational Management

1. Implement effective communications strategy 

2. Have  oversight of policies and procedures and make recommendations to the Trust as appropriate,  for effective operations

3. Alert Trust to issues that are potentially problematic in terms of achieving the organisation’s goals

External Relationships

1. Understand the external environment (non-profit, community museums, fundraising, memorialisation and donor relationships)

2. Together with the Board, serve as the “face” of the Museum

3. Be the prime communicator of the aims, programmes and work of the Museum

The Executive Director must meet the following criteria:

1. Relevant 3-year degree or equivalent

2. A post-graduate qualification or equivalent would be an advantage

3. 5 years’ experience in a job which has similar levels of responsibility

4. Knowledge of participatory democracy and the South African political context

5. Strong experience in financial management

6. Experience in fundraising, donor management and strategy development

7. Knowledge of the non-profit, heritage and human rights sectors

8. Valid driver’s licence

9. Political acumen

10. Project management experience

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 29^th September 2023 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za