Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Director: Advancement and Communications Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is undergoing a significant renewal, presenting unique opportunities to influence the training of health professionals and scientists. The university is actively seeking top talent to join its mission.

This is an opportunity for a charismatic, highly literate, and strategically astute professional to take on the role of Director: Advancement and Communications. This position is a 5-year fixed-term contract appointment, offering visionary leadership across a critical university portfolio.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in increasing alternative revenue streams, strengthening alumni relations, enhancing brand positioning, and solidifying the university's reputation through transparent communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline, OR a Master’s degree in a business field supported by an undergraduate degree in Marketing or Communications.
• 10 years of combined experience in Advancement, Marketing, and Communication environments, with exposure to all these fields.
• At least 5 years of the required experience must have been in a leadership position.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in advancement, fundraising, philanthropy, and third-stream income generation.
• Proven experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, and communications strategies.
• Demonstrated and measurable success in fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives, resulting in increased institutional revenue, donor support, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record of leading and securing support for philanthropic programmes and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, engage, and provide strategic advice to diverse internal and external stakeholders at senior and executive levels.
• Strong technological proficiency, with current knowledge of digital media platforms, emerging communication technologies, and ICT applications, and the ability to leverage these effectively to advance institutional objectives.
• A valid South African driver’s license.
• Professional affiliation or registration with a recognised advancement communications or marketing body (e.g., PRISA, CASE) will be advantageous.
• An established network and strong relationships with donors, alumni, media, corporate partners, government, and higher education stakeholders will be advantageous.
• Experience in a higher education context will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership across the university’s advancement and communications portfolio.
• Lead the function with a focus on increasing alternative revenue streams.
• Advance strategic Alumni Relations.
• Enhance the university’s brand positioning and anchoring.
• Strengthen the university’s reputation for open, transparent communication and meaningful stakeholder relationships.
• Provide strategic leadership for fundraising and philanthropy, alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, and corporate and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee communications, marketing, brand management, and institutional reputation.
• Ensure an integrated approach that supports the university’s strategic priorities, financial sustainability, and institutional positioning.
• Meet prescribed qualifications, experience, competencies, and performance requirements.

What the Work Involves

As the Director: Advancement and Communications, you will provide strategic direction and oversight for all activities related to enhancing the university’s profile and securing financial support. This involves focusing on increasing diverse revenue streams, cultivating strong relationships with alumni, and actively managing the university’s brand and public image.

You will lead efforts in fundraising, philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, and developing corporate and strategic partnerships. Your role requires a hands-on approach to communications and marketing, ensuring that all efforts are integrated to advance the university’s strategic goals and financial well-being. You will report to the Executive Director: Special Projects and Stakeholder Management, working within a dynamic university environment that engages with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email.

Please send your application to: hr.recruitment9@smu.ac.za

Ensure you include the following reference number in your email subject line: Ref: 78/2026/MMM/P5

The closing date for applications is 02 October 2026.