About the Role

Zimele are seeking an inspiring and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead the organisation through the delivery of their 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. Zimele exists to restore mobility, dignity, independence and hope for amputees from disadvantaged backgrounds through holistic prosthetic rehabilitation and mobility support. The organisation's vision is a South Africa where amputees have equal opportunity to live independent, dignified and fulfilling lives. 

The Executive Director will be responsible for providing strategic, operational and financial leadership to the organisation, ensuring that Zimele delivers against its three strategic priorities:

• Growing our services to help more people

• Strengthening the organisation

• Speaking up and being seen as a leading voice for amputees and disability inclusion

Working closely with the Board, staff, healthcare professionals, donors, partners and beneficiaries, the Executive Director will lead organisational growth, build financial sustainability, strengthen governance and raise Zimele's profile as a respected leader in disability inclusion and prosthetic rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Lead the implementation of Zimele's Strategic Plan, translating strategic objectives into clear operational priorities, measurable targets and organisational outcomes.

• Expand and strengthen Zimele's rehabilitation programmes, increasing the number of beneficiaries supported while maintaining high standards of care and impact.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with healthcare providers, rehabilitation professionals, government stakeholders, community organisations and corporate partners.

• Secure and diversify income through grants, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, CSI funding, individual giving and other fundraising initiatives.

• Ensure strong financial management, sustainability and the growth of organisational reserves.

• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.

• Strengthen organisational systems, processes, monitoring and evaluation, and operational effectiveness.

• Act as Zimele's principal ambassador, increasing awareness of amputee rehabilitation, disability inclusion and the organisation's impact through media, communications, advocacy and public engagement.

• Support the Board in maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, risk management and organisational accountability.

• Position Zimele as a recognised and influential voice for amputees and disability inclusion across South Africa. 

Skills, Experience and Attributes

The successful candidate will be an experienced non-profit leader with a proven track record of organisational growth, fundraising success and strategic leadership.

Essential experience and capabilities include:

• Senior leadership experience within the non-profit, healthcare, social impact or related sectors.

• Demonstrated success in implementing organisational strategy and managing growth.

• Strong fundraising and business development skills, with experience securing major grants, donor support and corporate partnerships.

• Financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting and sustainability planning.

• Experience leading and developing teams and building organisational capacity.

• Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.

• Experience working effectively with Boards and supporting good governance.

• Ability to measure impact, use data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

• Excellent communication, influencing and advocacy skills.

• A commitment to disability inclusion, dignity, equity and social impact.

Desirable experience includes:

• Knowledge of healthcare, rehabilitation, disability services or community health.

• Understanding of disability rights, accessibility and inclusion.

• Experience working with healthcare systems, referral networks or public sector partners.

• Experience leading advocacy, public awareness or stakeholder engagement campaigns. 

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a values-driven leader to shape the future of a growing organisation, improve the lives of hundreds of amputees and help build a more inclusive South Africa.

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight, 23 June 2026

First Interview Dates: TBC

How to apply:

Please email us at  recruitment@charitycareersafrica.com to request a full job description. 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.