Open call: National Arts Council CEO in SA

The position, based in Gauteng, carries a salary package at DPSA level 15. The closing date for applications is 27 March 2026.

The NAC, a grant-distribution agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is responsible for supporting and developing South Africa’s cultural and creative sector. Its funding work covers music, craft, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, multidisciplinary practice and bursaries.

According to the advert, the successful candidate will report directly to the NAC Council and will be responsible for the organisation’s overall management, including the implementation of strategy, operational planning and governance.

The council said the new chief executive officer would be expected to lead the organisation in transforming, developing and growing the arts sector, while ensuring the efficient and economical use of resources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Implementing the NAC’s strategic goals and objectives
• Leading the organisation’s overall operations
• Supporting the board in fulfilling its governance role
• Advocating for the arts and cultural sector
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to promote the arts
• Expanding the number of arts practitioners receiving NAC funding
• Creating market access for practitioners locally and internationally
• Securing alternative sources of funding and managing fundraising strategies
• Developing blended finance mechanisms involving private sector and donor support alongside National Treasury allocations
• Ensuring strict governance in the administration of grant funding
• Providing thought leadership in the development and administration of the arts

Minimum qualifications:

• An honours degree or equivalent NQF level 8 qualification in arts management or administration, business management, financial management, public administration, social sciences, or a related field
• A master’s degree or equivalent NQF level 9 qualification in a related field will be an advantage

Experience required

• At least 10 years of demonstrable experience in a senior management role
• experience leading a public organisation, or a related unit within a public organisation, is preferred
• At least five years’ experience in the arts and culture field is preferred
• Knowledge of corporate governance in public sector entities
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and related regulations
• Experience in development finance, financial structuring, public-private partnerships and large-scale project implementation

Skills and attributes sought:

• Strategic vision and the ability to drive execution
• Leadership and negotiation skills
• Assertiveness
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Business acumen
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Integrity, sound judgement and strong business ethics
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Knowledge of legislation governing public entities

Interested candidates are required to submit a CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications, work experience and vision for the role. Applications must also include certified copies of qualifications and identification documents, certified within the past three months.

Applications should be sent to recruitmentceo@nac.org.za with the subject line: Chief Executive Officer application.

For enquiries, applicants can contact Ms Florence Mohale on 066 472 6216 / 087 700 0683 or email florence@nac.org.za.

View the original call here.