Institution: Rhodes University
Location: Makhanda
Division: Communications and Advancement Directorate
Job Type: Permanent (may be fixed-term ≥3 years)
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
📌 Job Overview
Rhodes University is recruiting a Director of Advancement and Communications to provide strategic leadership for the university’s fundraising, stakeholder engagement, communications, and brand management initiatives.
The role focuses on strengthening philanthropic funding, developing partnerships, enhancing alumni relations, and protecting the university’s public reputation.
🎯 Key Responsibilities
💰 Fundraising & Advancement
- Develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives
- Expand the university’s philanthropic donor base
- Increase unrestricted institutional funding
- Lead campaigns to support the university’s financial sustainability
🤝 Stakeholder & Alumni Engagement
- Build relationships with donors, alumni, partners, and stakeholders
- Strengthen long-term philanthropic partnerships
- Expand alumni engagement initiatives
📣 Communications & Brand Management
- Oversee media relations and public communications
- Protect and enhance the university’s brand identity
- Position the institution positively in the public domain
👥 Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Provide leadership to the Communications and Advancement Directorate
- Lead strategic projects and initiatives
- Manage teams responsible for fundraising and communications
🎓 Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in a relevant field
- Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)
- Around 7 years relevant experience, including:
✔ Proven success in fundraising or revenue-generating roles
✔ Experience leading philanthropic or fundraising projects
✔ Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills
✔ At least 4 years leadership/management experience
💰 Salary & Benefits
- Cost to Company: approximately R1,640,255 per year
This is a very senior leadership position within the university.
📄 Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A motivation letter explaining interest and suitability
- A comprehensive CV
- Copies of relevant qualifications
- Reasons for leaving previous positions
- Referees (direct line managers) with contact details
- Relevant certificates
Applications must be submitted online through the university recruitment system.
Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
For enquiries contact:
- Email: hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za
- Phone: 046 603 8616
🏛 Recruitment Process
The selection process may include:
- Shortlisting
- Assessment or presentation
- Interview
Applicants not contacted within 30 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
🌍 Employment Equity
Appointments at Rhodes University follow the Employment Equity Act and the Immigration Act. The university encourages applications from diverse and underrepresented groups.
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