About the Job

Reporting to the Managing Director and Assistant Director of Impact and Learning, the Grantmaking Lead will manage the implementation of a strategic initiative focused on innovatively strengthening South Africa’s education ecosystem.

This role will develop and execute a trust-based approach to supporting promising organizations working in two critical areas – teacher training and youth pathways (ages 15 – 25). Therefore, you will manage an approach that emphasizes innovation, learning, and sustainable impact.

Key Responsibilities
Strategy Implementation

Operationalize the grantmaking strategy based on trust-based philanthropy principles.

Refine selection criteria, application processes, and evaluation frameworks to minimize administrative burden on grantees.

Provide input into selection criteria and evaluation frameworks.

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the education sector.

Facilitate cross-learning between grantees and TNF’s existing programs (e.g., Khulani Schools Program, Education Changemakers).

Trust-Based Grantmaking Operations

Manage the deployment of grants for innovative organizations focused on teacher leadership and youth pathways.

Oversee the full grant cycle, from invitation to evaluation.

Implement due diligence processes while maintaining a trust-based approach.

Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

Coordinate with the Finance team on fund disbursements and financial tracking.

Create trust-based reporting templates for grantees.

Grantee Support & Capacity Building

Ensure all grantees receive M&E frameworks, peer learning support, and capacity-building opportunities.

Facilitate peer learning communities and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Conduct organizational assessments and provide strategic planning support.

Connect grantees with technical assistance resources.

Collaborate with the Special Projects & Partnerships Manager to leverage TNF networks and resources for grantee support.

Learning, Documentation & Knowledge Management

Establish a baseline for measuring innovation success, ensuring all grantees report against impact frameworks by Q4 2025.

Collaborate with the MERL and Impact team to track community impact, organizational capacity development, and systemic influence.

Document learnings, innovations, and adaptations from grantee experiences.

Contribute to sector knowledge about effective philanthropy and education innovation.

Collaborate with the Communications team to showcase grantmaking outcomes via multimedia content and impact stories.

Prepare reports and analyses for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders, covering financial tracking, ROI metrics, and emerging trends.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

Build relationships with education NGO networks and funder collaboratives.

Promote trust-based funding approaches within the philanthropy sector.

Represent TNF at education forums and conferences.

Requirements
Relevant tertiary qualification in Management, Education, Development Studies, Business, or a related field (postgraduate degree preferred).

At least 5 years’ experience in NPO, philanthropy, grantmaking, or CSI project management.

Minimum 2 years’ leadership/managerial experience in a cross-sector environment.

Experience in education, entrepreneurship development, or leadership programs.

Proven track record in trust-based or flexible funding approaches.

Strong financial management, project management, and strategic implementation skills.

Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities.

Deep understanding of South Africa’s education ecosystem and funding landscape.

Must have a clear credit history and no criminal record.

Please send your resume/CV