WWF are shaping a future where people and nature thrive together.

WWF South Africa (WWF-SA) is part of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation network, working across over 100 countries and supported by millions of people worldwide. For over five decades, WWF-SA has inspired all South Africans to live in harmony with nature - protecting our environment, restoring biodiversity, and improving community wellbeing. Through science, collaboration, and innovation, WWF-SA works to ensure that both people and nature thrive for generations to come.

The Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead WWF-SA's corporate engagement strategy and team, delivering on the organisation's strategic impact goals and funding needs.

As the Manager: Corporate Partnership & Engagement, you will drive the development and management of high-value corporate relationships, ensuring they create meaningful impact and contribute to a transformational partnership agenda. You will position WWF-SA as a trusted partner on sustainability, shared value, and corporate responsibility.

You will provide leadership and mentorship to the corporate engagement team, oversee strategic fundraising initiatives, and strengthen relationships with businesses. Working closely with Environmental Programmes and Communications teams, you will ensure corporate fundraising aligns with conservation priorities while maintaining transparent management of raised funds.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skill sets:

• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Sustainability, Commerce, Finance, or related fields.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in relationship management, fundraising, or corporate engagement.

• At least 5 years of management experience leading and motivating teams.

• Proven experience in successful relationship management, fundraising, or corporate engagement, particularly in transformational and bigger partnerships.

• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and securing new corporate partnerships while strengthening existing relationships to maximise long-term value and impact.

• Ability to provide strategic input into fundraising and corporate partnership strategies.

• Highly effective in monitoring project and programme outputs and managing all related fund reporting.

• Deadline-focused on providing monthly reporting on activity, progress, and income potential.

• Proficient at establishing regular communication channels with staff to ensure expedient reporting to donors.

• Skilled at leading teams with at least 5 years of management experience.

• Highly effective in providing leadership, motivation, and guidance to ensure high team performance and retention.

Key Personal Attributes:

- Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

- Excellent presentation, negotiation, and networking skills. 

- Collaborative, adaptable, and able to thrive in a networked environment. 

- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

- High emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and relationship-building capacity. 

- Strong planning, organising, and prioritisation skills. 

- Recognise self in WWF’s values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration and Inclusion. 

Why WWF South Africa?

At WWF-SA, you’ll join a passionate, mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact in South Africa’s conservation and sustainability landscape. The organisation fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning through its strong global network.

You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive team where strategic leadership and purpose meet, helping to build meaningful connections between business and the planet.

Closing Date for Applications:  Midnight, 12 March 2026

Pre-screen Interviews begin:  22 February 2026

First WWF Interview Date: TBC 

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.