Head of Operations and Development

Job description

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Head of Operations and Development

Senior Leadership · Operations, Governance, Fundraising & Strategic Growth

Livingstone, Zambia | Full-Time | Reports to the Director 

We are a growing school looking for a Head of Operations and Development to work as a close partner to our Director, with real autonomy over daily operations, direct influence over our future strategic direction and responsibility for driving fundraising, partnerships and wider development opportunities.

This is a rare opportunity to help build the operational and governance backbone of a growing organisation. You will shape how we are run, perceived, and governed for years to come — leading our people, our partnerships, and a defined strategic plan covering rebranding, governance reform, income generation, and the launch of a new charitable arm to widen access to the school for talented pupils from low-income households.

About the Role

As Head of Operations and Development, you will bring structure and professionalism to our operations and governance, lead the people side of the business from recruitment through to culture and conduct, and play a hands-on role in growing our external profile through fundraising, partnerships, and marketing oversight. You will carry lead responsibility for a defined strategic plan, working in close partnership with the Director and with several direct reports, including the Business Development Manager and Heads of Departments.

What You’ll Do

Operations & Governance

•      Oversee day-to-day operations across the school, including future strategic developments.

•      Establish and maintain governance, systems, and procedures that are consistently and reliably adhered to, building a reputation for watertight, trustworthy operations from first contact.

•      Identify and close gaps between documented policy and actual practice, particularly where systems exist but are not currently enforced.

People & Culture

•      Lead recruitment and onboarding across the organisation, with clear expectations set from day one.

•      Build a strong, aligned team culture, with consistent standards of conduct and accountability.

•      Monitor staff accountability and performance, and manage any disciplinary processes fairly, consistently, and with proper documentation.

Fundraising, Partnerships & Marketing

•      Drive high-level fundraising and partnership activity, including corporate engagement and long-term relationship stewardship.

•      Identify and develop new income generation opportunities to support our growth and long-term sustainability.

•      Work closely with the Business Development Manager to build and maintain key external relationships.

•      Provide oversight on marketing strategy and materials, partnering with the Business Development Manager to shape direction and review output.

•      Contribute to the development of our new charitable arm, helping secure funding and support to open access to scholarship pupils from low-income households.

What We’re Looking For

•      Significant experience in senior operations and fundraising, corporate partnerships, or business development, with comfort engaging external stakeholders.

•      A track record of building or strengthening governance systems, policies, and procedures.

•      Strong people leadership experience, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and handling disciplinary matters professionally.

•      A talent for marketing, with sound judgement on brand, positioning, and materials.

•      Experience designing or sitting on a governance structure, board, or advisory panel is a strong advantage.

•      A strategic mindset paired with hands-on follow-through; equally comfortable setting a strategic plan and implementing it.

•      High personal integrity and discretion, given the trust and autonomy this role carries.

•      Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to review and revise strategic and governance documents.

•      Qualification in International Development, Business Management, Human Resource Management or similar.

•      At least 8 years of relevant experience.

Why Join Us

•      Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

•      Genuine autonomy and a direct partnership with the Director.

•      Real influence over our future strategic direction and growth.

•      A beautiful campus surrounded by nature in Livingstone, Zambia.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience in operations, governance, and fundraising or business development. Please note, use of AI is discouraged – we want to get to know you!

Applications close: August 31st 2026 – please note, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Send applications to: board@acaciaschool.com