executive director for operations

AfrikaBurn is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director for Operations (EDO). The position will  be focused on managing general operations, reporting directly to the Board of Directors, and will work in  tandem with the Executive Director of Development and the Executive Director for Culture.

AfrikaBurn is the strategic driver of Burning Man culture in the Southern African region and plays a significant  role in the arts and culture sector of South Africa. Most known for its flagship event in the Tankwa Karoo, as  a public benefit organisation, AfrikaBurn is the human scaffold that helps a diverse creative community propel  numerous arts and development projects.

We are looking for an experienced individual, who can effectively participate in collective governance, as well  as independently organise, manage, and inspire. In particular the EDO will have oversight of finance, compliance, information systems, land and property management, occupational health and safety, and event production.

The EDO will be responsible for the functional operations of the organisation, the collective development and  execution of strategy, and productive engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders.  Rooted in AfrikaBurn's ethos, this position embodies servant leadership, prioritising collaboration, accountability, and the well-being of the community.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to organisational strategy and structure, and ensure effective implementation
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of AfrikaBurn's operational and financial systems
• Oversee compliance and risk management, ensuring accountability and transparency
• Manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Oversee land management and infrastructure development at AfrikaBurn's Tankwa land (Quaggafontein and Vaalfontein) and at AfrikaBurn's Salt River headquarters
• Lead IT systems, data management, and operational technology improvements
• Build a constructive, supportive, happy team and working culture
• Oversee financial budgets (long term, short term, and project specific), and monitor variances
• Oversee the event production processes with support from the operations team, including ideation,  planning, budgeting, communications, and execution
• Be the ultimate point of contact for the operations team and contractors, where they cannot resolve  problems on their own
• Monitor and report on key indicators of strategy actualisation
• Take ownership of new projects, especially in relation to the Tankwa land
• Develop policies and standard operating procedures, where those do not exist or where gaps exist

Minimum Requirements

• At least ten years' of experience in senior operational, general management, financial or project management roles.
• Proven financial management ability of multi-departmental budgets including management financial reporting.
• Relevant tertiary degree in finance, business management or project management advantageous
• Knowledge of IT systems, databases, and digital workflows
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and PBO/non-profit management in South Africa.
• Based in – or able to relocate to – Cape Town, South Africa
• Attended an AfrikaBurn Event
• Experience with infrastructure or land management projects advantageous

Traits (
We value these highly)

• Embodies servant leadership -  leading through service, empathy, and a commitment to collective success
• Outcome-oriented, pragmatic and dependable
• Analytical thinker who balances detail with strategy
• Conscientious and grounded in integrity
• Collaborative and respectful and driver of collective processes
• Self-aware and self-reflective
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, motivate, and support a diverse range of passionate people and volunteers
• Able to embrace the unknown and thrive in a pressured environment

Please apply with CV and cover letter to

. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. AfrikaBurn reserves the right to not appoint this position should a suitable applicant not be found.