Job Purpose:
To drive strategic growth, increase revenue, and enhance the visibility and competitiveness of the school by identifying new opportunities, building strong partnerships, and improving enrolment and funding streams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Growth and Planning
- Develop and implement the school's business development strategy aligned with overall institutional goals.
- Identify opportunities for growth in enrolment, partnerships, and funding.
- Conduct market research to analyse trends in the education sector (private and public).
- Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with corporate sponsors, NGOs, community organisations, and government departments.
- Promote collaboration with tertiary institutions for learner progression.
- Identify and nurture opportunities for collaboration with education service providers.
- Marketing and Brand Visibility
- Work with the marketing team to increase the school’s visibility via events, media, and campaigns.
- Organise school open days, expos, and information sessions for prospective parents and partners.
- Support the creation of promotional material, school brochures, and social media content.
- Enrolment and Retention Initiatives
- Develop and implement strategies to increase learner admissions.
- Monitor enrolment trends and dropout rates to inform strategies.
- Support the admissions department with outreach and recruitment campaigns.
- Fundraising and Revenue Generation
- Identify and secure alternative funding streams (e.g. grants, sponsorships, donations).
- Organise fundraising events and donor engagement initiatives.
- Prepare proposals and business cases for potential investors or donors.
- Financial Oversight
- Work with the finance team to create sustainable financial growth plans.
- Monitor budgets related to business development activities and return on investment.
- Reporting and Compliance
- Prepare periodic business development and progress reports for school management and governing bodies.
- Ensure all business practices comply with DBE and South African legal and education standards.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Education Management, or related field.
- Postgraduate qualifications in Education or Business (advantageous).
Experience:
- 5-10 years’ experience in business development, sales, or strategic partnerships, ideally in the education or NGO sector.
- Proven track record in fundraising, partnership building, or school admissions.
Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong negotiation and networking ability.
- Project management and strategic thinking.
- Familiarity with the South African basic education landscape.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about education and learner development.
- Goal-driven and self-motivated.
- Culturally sensitive and community-oriented.
- Creative, resourceful, and innovative.
Job Type: Full-time
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Johannesburg, Gauteng: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
- Bachelors (Required)
Experience:
- Relevant work in the Education Sector or NGO: 5 years (Required)