Executive Director

Executive Director for a Leading South African Human Rights / Rule of Law Nonprofit

Region:
Johannesburg (Cape Town possible)

Salary:
Competitive

Type of employment:
Full time

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for providing leadership and executing the strategy of the organisation. Together with the Board, he or she will formulate the organisation’s vision and overall strategy. The position is based in Johannesburg (although exceptional candidates requiring to be based in Cape Town and surrounds would be considered). Salary and benefits are competitive with NGO and civil society standards.

Candidates for the position should be leading thinkers in society, able to play a meaningful role in developing our constitutional democracy and committed to making the Constitution come alive for all South Africans.

• Being the public face of the org to society
• Formulating and executing the org’s strategy, including specific strategies and tactics around legal interventions, public advocacy and policy research
• Leading and mentoring a team of legal practitioners, researchers and policy fellows
• Fundraising and interacting with donors
• Ensuring engagement and collaboration with our coalition of partners and network of external stakeholders
• Overseeing the financial, administration and human capital aspects of the org.

• A degree in law, economics or politics and preferably postgraduate qualification in these fields
• A substantial record of advocacy work in the broad field of human rights and social justice.
• A deep knowledge of and familiarity with South Africa’s public-interest law sector.
• The ability to engage meaningfully with a broad range of partners including civil society, legal, media and economic professionals, government and donors.
• A track record of successful fundraising from both local and international funding organisations
• Demonstrated skill in administration and the ability to manage and mentor a vibrant team
• Public relations, media liaison and advocacy skills.

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at  and email your application by 18th March 2026 to

Date posted: 25 February 2026