We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead Impact Africa Network into its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in innovation ecosystems, empowerment, and organisational leadership. This role requires someone who can bridge the gap between entrepreneurial vision and operational excellence while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across our innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Excellence Program Execution

• Support the founder in overseeing the development and scaling of IAN's core programs including Innovation Fellowships, The Bridge, Tech 4 Impact, Power to our Women, Ecosystem Tours etc.
• Lead the development and execution of IAN's strategic plan
• Measure the impact of the fellowship and other programs and create compelling stories that would support fundraising initiatives.

Resource mobilisation through existing strategies and campaigns

• Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across multiple channels (institutional donors, corporations, foundations, high net-worth individuals), including the establishment of an endowment fund.
• Lead high-stakes proposal development and donor relationship management, ensuring sustainable funding streams through grants, partnerships, and program-related investments
• Create and implement resource mobilisation campaigns that align with IAN's mission while maintaining strong financial health through effective resource allocation and diversified funding sources

Culture Maintenance and Operational Excellence

• Champion organisational effectiveness by supporting in continuously building our organisation culture, founded on IAN's core values of High Performance, High Integrity, and High Collaboration, while ensuring cross-pollination and collaboration between different IAN portfolios.
• Provide overall organisational leadership, and management and help establish and maintain governance structures and systems.
• Provide strategic support in building and leading high-performing teams.

Strategic Network Growth and Relationship Management

• Orchestrate the development and nurturing of strategic partnerships across the innovation ecosystem, while representing IAN in high-level forums
• Driving meaningful collaboration between portfolios, and stakeholders to create lasting value and strengthen IAN's position as a key player in the Silicon Savanna ecosystem.
• Any other task may be assigned from time to time.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, Innovation, or a related field
• 10+ years of professional experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven track record in innovation, entrepreneurship development, or startup ecosystem building in Africa
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and resource mobilisation
• Experience managing multiple complex projects and diverse communities
• Excellence in strategic planning and execution