Executive Director

Overview

Book Dash is a social impact publisher of open licensed, African picture books for preschool children. We tackle the complex systems that make having books in the home inaccessible to most children. Using a unique, replicable model, we create, translate, print and distribute high-quality books to preschool children and their families to own. This enriches the home learning environment and is shown to boost child developmental outcomes. Book Dash is an important role-player in the early literacy ecosystem, providing resources for early stimulation and learning to programmes working in sectors like ECD, literacy, parenting and healthcare.

Purpose

The Executive Director (ED) leads Book Dash in line with our vision, mission and values and drives the development and implementation of the organisational strategy. They are responsible for building key strategic relationships, creating a strong public profile for the organisation and effectively mobilising and managing resources.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, enthusiastic leader who is  committed to redressing inequality through the provision of literacy resources. They are curious, self-aware and motivated to lead a small, dynamic team driven to make a meaningful impact on early literacy.

      Responsibilities

      • Strategic Leadership Lead and drive the development and implementation of strategic plans and policies in collaboration. Ensure overall alignment and clarity on the strategy at all levels and in all spheres. 
      • Stakeholder Relations Lead and drive relationship building with key stakeholders and partners.
      • Fundraising & Donor Management Lead and coordinate fundraising efforts, maintain strong relationships with existing donors and ensure high quality, timely donor reporting.
      • Communications Guide communications to ensure it is aligned with mission, vision and strategy. Represent the organisation on public platforms and participate in relevant strategic dialogues.
      • Strategic Financial Management Ensure organisational financial sustainability, lead the annual budgeting process and be accountable for the effective management of resources. 
      • Governance, Risk & Board Management Ensure ethical standards, compliance with relevant legislation and policies and actively mitigate risk. Ensure that Book Dash has an effective and compliant board.
      • People & Culture Nurture a transparent culture in which diversity of views, backgrounds and cultures is valued. Hold staff accountable for the delivery of their individual key performance areas.
      • Programmes Direct programme strategy and design.
      • Systems & Process Ensure that effective processes, policies and systems are in place for the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.

      Requirements

      Qualifications & experience

      • Relevant tertiary qualification.
      • Minimum 10 years professional experience, incl. at least 5 years senior leadership experience gained within the non-profit or social impact sector.
      • Successful track record of building and fostering deep, trusting relationships. 
      • Fundraising experience and understanding of the donor, CSI and philanthropic landscape.
      • Previous experience gained in the education, literacy or publishing sectors would be highly advantageous.

      Skills & attributes

      • Outstanding analytical skills.
      • Demonstrated ability to problem solve and make data-driven decisions. 
      • Strategic thinking combined with attention to detail.
      • Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills.
      • Motivated and able to develop and mentor staff. 
      • Takes ownerships and holds self and others accountable.
      • Resilience and the ability to convert challenges into opportunities.
      • Sound knowledge and understanding of finance and budget management. 
      • Pro-actively explores innovative solutions whilst managing risk.
      • Highly computer literate.

      Location

      Cape Town, Mowbray. In-office position with flexibility for work-from-home options.

      More about the role and how to apply

      Book Dash strives to be a diverse and equitable organisation. Preference will be given to South African black candidates as defined by the B-BBEE Act.

      Closing date: 23 March 2025

      Please send your CV and 1-page cover letter motivating why you want to work for Book Dash, highlighting your relevant skills and experience to recruitment@bookdash.org with the subject line Executive Director.

      Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us by 16 April 2025.

      View or download the full job advert as a PDF here.