About the Job

The Managing Director will lead Grounded Media’s strategic direction, business growth, and operational performance, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-impact communications that drive meaningful social change. Working across client relationships, business development, team leadership, and organisational management, the role requires a commercially minded and values-driven leader who can balance creative excellence with financial sustainability while strengthening Grounded Media’s position as a leader in social impact communications. The Managing Director will report to the Board.

Please note: this is a 5-year contract, with the possibility of renewal

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead and evolve the company’s long-term strategic vision

Identify new business opportunities and partnerships

Position Grounded Media as a leader in social impact communications

Drive innovation across campaigns, content, and digital engagement

Business Development & Client Relations

Build and maintain high-level relationships with government, NGO, donor, and corporate stakeholders

Lead proposal development, pitching, and contract negotiations

Grow revenue streams while maintaining the company’s social impact ethos

Represent the organisation publicly at industry and stakeholder engagements

Operational Management

Oversee business operations, budgeting, and organisational performance

Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on budget, and at a high creative standard

Strengthen systems, governance, and internal processes

Drive sustainability and profitability

Team & Culture Leadership

Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace culture

Support staff development, mentorship, and succession planning

Champion diversity, ethical leadership, and organisational wellbeing

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

Minimum 8-10 years’ senior leadership experience

Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments

Strong understanding of South Africa’s social, political, and development landscape

Demonstrated success in business development and client management

Experience managing budgets, operations, and organisational strategy

Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

Bachelor’s degree

Advantageous

Knowledge of behavioural change communication and public education campaigns

Established professional networks within the communications and development sectors

Postgraduate qualification or executive leadership training

Please send your resume/CV