The Role
C-suite executive responsible for developing and implementing a global impact strategy spanning conservation, biodiversity, communities, sustainability, ESG, and responsible business. The role advises the Board and shareholders, leads impact measurement and governance, builds strategic partnerships, oversees funding, and embeds accountability across the organisation. Candidates need 15+ years of senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, international exposure, and expertise in multiple impact disciplines and reporting frameworks.
Summary Generated by Built In
CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER | JOHANNESBURG
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Employment: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
Are you a senior impact, sustainability, conservation or responsible business leader ready to shape an organisation’s long-term impact strategy?
My client is looking for an exceptional Chief Impact Officer to lead a global impact agenda spanning conservation, wildlife, communities, sustainability and responsible business.
This is a C-suite leadership position with responsibility for:
• Developing and driving the Group’s long-term impact strategy
• Integrating impact into business strategy, operations, investment and guest experience
• Leading conservation, biodiversity and community-focused initiatives
• Overseeing impact measurement, governance, reporting and funding
• Building strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, funders and global organisations
• Advising the Board, shareholders and executive leadership on impact, risk and long-term value creation
• Building a high-performing impact function and embedding accountability across the organisation
• Representing the organisation at global forums and as a thought leader in impact and responsible business
RequirementsWhat We're Looking For
15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy, responsible business or a related field
Proven C-suite / senior executive experience and the ability to influence Boards and shareholders
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment, budgeting and fundraising experience
Expertise in areas such as conservation & biodiversity, community development, ESG, impact investment, philanthropy, responsible tourism or climate/nature strategy
International experience working across diverse cultures and emerging markets
Strong stakeholder, partnership-building and external representation skills
A track record of turning ambitious impact strategies into measurable outcomes
A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent depth of career experience; an advanced degree at Masters or Doctorate level is advantageous but will not substitute for executive track record
Deep expertise in at least two of the following: conservation and biodiversity; community-led development; sustainability and ESG; impact investment or philanthropy; responsible tourism or hospitality; climate and nature strategy.
Working fluency in relevant global frameworks and expectations, such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, GRI and TNFD, together with the judgement to apply them proportionately. Experience in luxury travel, hospitality or conservation-led tourism is advantageous, but exceptional candidates from
adjacent global sectors will not be excluded.
This is an opportunity for a purpose-driven executive to influence strategy at the highest level while creating a meaningful measurable impact.
Skills Required
- 15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in impact, sustainability, conservation, community development, philanthropy, responsible business, or a related field
- C-suite or senior executive experience with the ability to influence Boards and shareholders
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including investment, budgeting, and fundraising experience
- Expertise in conservation and biodiversity, community development, sustainability and ESG, impact investment or philanthropy, responsible tourism or hospitality, or climate and nature strategy
- International experience working across diverse cultures and emerging markets
- Strong stakeholder, partnership-building, and external representation skills
- Track record of turning impact strategies into measurable outcomes
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent depth of career experience
- Deep expertise in at least two specified impact disciplines
- Working fluency in IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, GRI, and TNFD
- Advanced degree at Masters or Doctorate level
- Experience in luxury travel, hospitality, or conservation-led tourism
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The Company
What We Do
Bushwise is a Southern African training provider specializing in practical safari-guide and conservation education. It offers hands-on field-guide courses and practical conservation training, with programs aligned to professional certification and standards. Its courses prepare students for careers in guiding and conservation through immersive bushveld learning and experienced instruction, supporting ethical participation in safari, environmental, and wildlife stewardship sectors.
