ISASA invites applications for the position of
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
NORTH EAST REGION (MPUMALANGA, ESWATINI AND MOZAMBIQUE)
ISASA is seeking a Regional Director for the North East Region. The ISASA North East Region is currently composed of member schools in the Mpumalanga province, Eswatini and Mozambique.
On a part-time basis, ISASA Regional Directors provide “on the ground” support to Heads, Bursars and Governors of ISASA member schools on key school issues and government policies affecting independent education.
For most ISASA schools – and aspirant member schools – the ISASA Regional Directors are the first and primary point of contact between the school and ISASA. Regional Directors communicate with, support and visit all the schools in their regions at least once per year. Regional Directors are also instrumental in introducing new schools into ISASA membership.
Regional Directors report directly to the Director: Membership and Programmes. Since this role requires some familiarity with the educational regulatory system for independent schools, the incumbent will also have a reporting line to the Director: Policy and Advocacy. Due to the centrality of the role of Regional Directors to ISASA, they also indirectly report to the Executive Director and the Director: Finance and Technology.
The successful applicant will have:
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Tertiary educational qualification.
- At least 5 years’ experience as head/deputy head of an educational institution.
- Broad-based knowledge of the education sector.
- A relevant level of understanding of South Africa’s political, economic and social context.
Preferred Experience:
- Service to ISASA as a regional office bearer.
- Experience as a head in different types of educational institutions.
- Experience in stakeholder and government relations.
- Understanding of educational policy issues relating to independent education.
Skills and Attributes:
- Competent level of Information Technology proficiency (Word, Excel, Internet Use).
- Positive interpersonal skills.
- Effective relationship-building skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Strong planning, organising and time management skills.
- Ability to work both in a team and independently, and under pressure.
- Self-motivated, innovative and proactive.
- High level of integrity.
- High energy levels.
- A willingness to adapt to and keep abreast of change.
- A growth mind-set.
- Able to be held accountable, in a constructive manner, to the ISASA Executive Committee.
Key Performance Areas:
- Providing local and regional support to member schools.
- Engaging with the Mpumalanga Education Department on policy issues affecting members.
- Liaising with ISASA staff, Regional Chairs and office-bearers, as well as the associations for Heads (Southern African Heads of Independent Schools Association (SAHISA)) and Bursars (Southern African Bursars of Independent Schools Association (SABISA)).
- Promoting ISASA and its services among members.
- Advocate for the ISASA brand and its values.
- Recruiting and appraising potential members.
The appointment is planned for 1 February 2027.
The remuneration package is competitive and negotiable in line with the successful applicant’s skills and experience.
Bearing in mind the association’s goals and values, potential candidates should write a one-page letter of application and motivation to accompany their curriculum vitae (CV).
The closing date for the letter of application, with a full CV and the particulars of three referees, is Monday, 31 August 2026. Applications should be emailed to apply@isasa.org The subject line must clearly state that the applicant is applying for Central Regional Director.
ISASA reserves the right not to make an appointment and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ISASA