Reporting to the PAST Board and based at the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University in Johannesburg, the CEO takes full responsibility for the successful and sustainable functioning of PAST, driving the vision and the mission of the organisation at a strategic level and keeping it vibrant and relevant, thus leading the organization into its next chapter. 

• Governance: Liaising closely with the board and keeping them apprised of major developments
• Stakeholder relationships: Managing all higher-level relationships with donors, partners and stakeholders
• Fundraising and business development: Actively fundraising, building relationships with ongoing and new donors
• Report writing and oversight of reports to board, donors etc.
• Oversight and overall management of all PAST projects and programmes
• Overseeing the research grants programme
• Advocacy and outreach
• Overseeing all financial and operational aspects of the organisation

• Minimum Masters-level background in science, preferably the biological or geological sciences, and ideally with training and research experience in palaeontology (origin sciences).
• Proven management skills with some experience in the financial oversight of an organisation or department
• Demonstrated skills in stakeholder and especially donor relations at a senior/executive level
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Exceptional ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience in marketing or brand management would be preferable
• Evidence of commitment to advocating PAST’s philosophy of enhancing African scientific leadership in the origin sciences, educating youth and the general public about the social value of the origin sciences and embracing and promoting the ideals of PAST’s All from One campaign
• Ability to advocate the relevance of the science to society today and the ability to relate the science to non-scientists in a very accessible and practical way
• Ability and experience in engaging with a Board of directors and managing the governance relationships
• A strong leader who is personable, sensitive, empathetic, with a high level of emotional intelligence
• Passionate about the mission and vision of PAST and its goal to gain recognition for Africa as a region of excellence in the field of paleontology