Lead Advancement where Education Changes the World 

At Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (WK), education is more than academic excellence – it’s a force for justice, community and change. Join a school that transforms lives and inspires young people to create a better world. Lead an advancement effort that will shape the next generation of opportunity and impact.

Why Waterford Kamhlaba? Why Now?

WK past-parent and grandparent Nelson Mandela once observed “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  This belief has been at the core of our mission since 1963, when Waterford Kamhlaba became the first school in Southern Africa founded as a nonracial educational institution. It demonstrated that students from a wide array of races, colours, cultures and religions could live, learn and thrive together—a bold challenge to the foundations of apartheid and racism everywhere. 

The world has changed since Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela chose Waterford Kamhlaba for their children—as did fellow anti-apartheid leaders Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu, and Walter and Albertina Sisulu—but the sweeping imperative of equipping young people with the sense of purpose, understanding, and tools to make change and seek justice in Africa and the world beyond remains as strong as ever.

Today, Waterford is moving forward in a new phase of growth and renewal. The school’s leadership team is strong, its mission clear and its global impact greater than ever. And WK is doubling down on ensuring that students from Africa and around the globe have the opportunity experience the transformative power of a WK education.

Waterford Kamhlaba is a proud member of United World Colleges, a movement of 18 schools and colleges around the globe. WK has 610+ students from 65+ countries spread across seven years (grades), culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. 

 

What You’ll Lead

You will shape Waterford Kamhlaba’s impact for generations to come.

As Director, you will report to the Principal (Head of School) and lead WK’s fundraising, alumni engagement and communications initiatives. Key priorities include launching the school’s first true annual campaign and supporting WK’s global comprehensive campaign. You and your team will grow philanthropy that fuels access, innovation and sustainability. You’ll lead and mentor a small professional team, developing strategy and storytelling that inspire a worldwide community to give generously. 

How We’ll Support You

You’ll have a clear mandate, committed leadership and collaborative colleagues. Access to the United World College network, WK Governing Council and Advancement Committee will strengthen your impact. This is a build-and-shape opportunity – you’ll help design the systems and culture that define WK’s next chapter in advancement.

 Closing Date for Applications:   Midnight, 15 January 2026

Provisional First Interview Date: 28 January 2026 

How to apply:

Please email us at  recruitment@charitycareersafrica.com to request a full job description and person specification. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.