Executive Director

Theatre for a Change (TfaC)

We’re hiring!

Executive Director – Theatre for a Change Malawi
📍 Lilongwe, Malawi | 🌍 Occasional international travel | 🕒 Full-time

Theatre for a Change (TfaC) Malawi is a Malawian-registered, locally led organisation working to empower marginalised communities through participatory, arts-based approaches that advance gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and social justice.

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead the next phase of growth and impact. You will:
✅Champion our mission and strategic direction
✅ Lead high-performing teams and innovative programmes
✅ Drive financial strategy and donor engagement
✅ Foster strong partnerships with government, donors, and stakeholders
✅ Represent TfaC Malawi nationally and internationally

What we’re looking for:
✔️ 10+ years of senior leadership experience
✔️ Proven track record in strategic delivery and income generation
✔️ Commitment to diversity, equity, and safeguarding
✔️ Strong stakeholder, fundraising, and financial management skills
✔️ Deep alignment with TfaC’s mission and values

Desirable: Experience with participatory methodologies or arts-based development.

 Eligibility: This position is open to Malawian nationals only. Non-nationals are not eligible unless they hold a valid work permit for Malawi.

 Contract Terms: The role will be offered on national terms and conditions, and on a fixed-term employment basis, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and conduct. International terms and expatriate benefits do not apply.

 📩 How to apply: Please send your CV and and a max 2-page cover letter to applications@tfacafrica.com by 3rdAugust 2025.

Please see the full job description here: https://www.tfacafrica.com/job-vacancies

 

Job description on website

Executive Director

Reports to: TfaC Malawi Board of Trustees
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi with occasional international travel
Contract Type: Full time; fixed-term employment basis, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and conduct

Major Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Organisational Stewardship

  • Champion and embody Theatre for a Change’s mission and values.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the five-year Strategic Plan and annual Business Plan.
  • Ensure alignment of all strategies, programmes, and teams with the organisation’s Vision, Mission, and Strategic Objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with partners, donors, and stakeholders.
  • Ensure all organisational policies are current, compliant with best practice, and consistently applied.

2. Programme and Team Management

  • Line-manage the Malawi Leadership Team and Programme Managers
  • Support programme development and implementation, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
  • Foster leadership and management capacity across teams to maximise programme impact.

3. Financial Leadership and Governance

  • Recommend and lead financial strategy and income generation, including grant acquisition, to meet annual growth targets.
  • Oversee financial agencies (e.g., accountants, auditors) and ensure timely, accurate reporting and compliance.
  • Authorise and ensure proper allocation of funds to partner organisations, maintaining high standards of governance.
  • Ensure compliance with all NGORA, donor, and legal requirements, with robust financial controls in place.

4. Innovation and Methodology Development

  • Support the continued innovation of Theatre for a Change’s unique methodology and consolidate its USP.
  • Develop strategies to scale the model through government partnerships, franchising, academic accreditation, and private sector collaboration.
  • Ensure robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning practices are integrated throughout the organisation.
  • Drive research and publication efforts to elevate the organisation’s profile in national and international fora.

5. Representation and Partnerships

  • Represent the organisation in public forums, with media, and to current and prospective partners.
  • Deepen existing partnerships and cultivate new ones that support organisational growth and impact.
  • Oversee brand development and communications strategy to ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all platforms.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • A deep, demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of Theatre for a Change.
  • Minimum 10 years of senior leadership, including managing high-performing teams.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Proven success in developing and delivering strategic goals.
  • Strong track record in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and building partnerships.
  • Experience in designing and executing growth strategies, with measurable impact.
  • Financial acumen and experience in budget management, income generation, and compliance.
  • Familiarity and commitment to ensuring high safeguarding standards.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Experience working with and reporting to Boards or similar governance structures.
  • Fluent in Chichewa and English.
  • Right to work in Malawi.

Desirable:

  • Understanding participatory methodologies, arts-based development, or theatre for development.
  • Published research or recognised contributions to sectoral innovation or methodology.