Chief Executive Officer Full Time

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Type: Full-time, permanent

Location: On-site, Lansdowne (Cape Town)

Salary: Attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience (Available on request)

Closing: Midnight, 12th November 2026

Life Choices is building a world where every young person is able to rise, thrive and lead a life of purpose and possibility.

Since 2005, Life Choices have impacted the lives of more than 200,000 people from the Cape Flats. As a catalyst for positive change, Life Choices implements effective programmes that empower young people. At Life Choices, education and youth development are more than programmes; they are powerful forces for socio-economic transformation, community resilience, and lasting change.

Background

Based in Cape Town, Life Choices has built a strong reputation for delivering effective, high-impact programmes that invest directly in young people. With a robust annual operational budget and a healthy, ongoing funding pipeline, the organisation is well positioned. With a committed Board of Trustees, an experienced leadership team, and a deep-rooted commitment to disadvantaged communities, Life Choices is poised to expand its reach and deepen its community impact across South Africa.

What You’ll Lead

You will shape Life Choices’ strategic direction and social impact for years to come.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will report directly to the Board and provide visionary, values-driven, and strategic leadership. You will serve as custodian of the organisation’s purpose, culture, and long-term sustainability – leading implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring sound governance and regulatory compliance, building organisational capability, and mobilising financial and strategic resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Visionary & Strategic Leadership: Provides visionary, values-driven, and strategic leadership to lead the implementation of the strategic plan and serve as the custodian of the organisation’s purpose, culture, and long-term sustainability.

• Entrepreneurial & Drive for Growth: Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit to drive the organisation forward, build organisational capability, and mobilise key financial and strategic resources.

• Change Management: Demonstrates distinct change management skills to guide the organisation through transformation and growth.

• Governance & Administration: Possesses a deep understanding of governance, ensuring sound administrative management, statutory compliance, and operational rigour.

• Social Impact & Mission-Driven: Holds a deep commitment in their heart to socio-economic development within disadvantaged communities, maintaining a true “heart for the people” and ensuring the organisation delivers measurable social impact.

• People & Stakeholder Engagement: Combines a personable leadership style with strong personal accountability to strengthen stakeholder relationships, inspire teams, and build trusted networks.

• Financial Sustainability & Compliance: Ensures the organisation remains financially sustainable while operating in full compliance with all statutory and governance requirements.

How Life Choices Will Support You

You will have a clear strategic mandate, a supportive Board of Trustees, and a deeply dedicated team of professionals.

Closing Date for Applications:  Midnight, 12th November 2026

First Interview Dates:  23rd – 27th November 2026

How to apply

Please forward your tailored CV and covering letter (as two separate Word documents) to recruitment@charitycareersafrica.com. 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.

This search is being conducted by CCA Recruitment and Consulting. Our leadership team has all worked in the non-profit sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.