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St Ignatius College is a Catholic and Jesuit Private School based in Chishawasha. The College devotes itself to continuing to lead in the provision of a transformative 21st century education that develops distinctively Competent, Committed, Compassionate and Conscious men and women with and for others who are creative and critical thinkers. The College is committed to fostering a safe and child-friendly environment and in-depth faith formation whilst respecting human diversity.
Applications are invited for the position of ADVANCEMENT AND RELATIONS OFFICER, which has risen.
“Advancement” is an internationally recognised term in the education sector for the professional function that advances an institution’s mission by building lasting relationships and mobilising support. At St Ignatius College, the Advancement & Relations Officer leads the College’s marketing, communications and brand function; nurtures alumni and stakeholder relations; and coordinates sponsorship and income-generation activity appropriate to the Zimbabwean environment. The Officer serves as the gatekeeper of the College’s external communications, reports to the Administrator (with a dotted line to the Headmaster), and leads a small marketing sub-unit comprising the Brand & Events Coordinator and a Marketing Intern.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Marketing & PR
- Closing Date: 2026-07-31
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate the College’s marketing, communications and social media strategy in line with the College’s Strategic Plan, and oversee its execution;
- Maintain, develop and protect the College brand and brand guidelines across all internal and external communications, approving all outgoing content;
- Oversee the College website and digital platforms, and lead the design and production of all promotional materials, print and digital;
- Serve as the primary liaison between the College and its alumni community, overseeing the alumni database, supporting the Alumni Association, and coordinating alumni events and engagement initiatives;
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with the School Development Committee, corporates, parents, donors and community partners, and pursue sponsorship and income-generation opportunities appropriate to the Zimbabwean environment;
- Plan and direct the College’s annual events programme, including open days, prize-givings, alumni gatherings and donor functions, delegating logistics to the Brand & Events Coordinator while maintaining strategic oversight and quality assurance;
- Provide line management, task assignment and performance oversight to the Brand & Events Coordinator and the Marketing Intern;
- Monitor the external environment and prepare monthly and periodic performance reports on marketing, alumni engagement, sponsorship and events for the Administrator.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration or a related discipline;
- A minimum of three years’ experience in marketing, communications or stakeholder management;
- Demonstrated experience in digital content management, social media and event planning;
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, which will be an added advantage;
- Ability to build strong, respectful and productive relationships with all stakeholders;
- Excellent written and verbal communication, planning and organisational skills;
- Willingness to work within the Catholic traditions and ethos of St Ignatius College;
- A strong commitment to child safeguarding;
- Irreproachable integrity, discretion and professional conduct;
- Ability and willingness to work additional hours as needed, including at College functions.
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
Phone: +263 8677004013/4
Phone: +263 8677004013/4
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical educational qualifications and professional experience required for an Advancement & Relations Officer role in Zimbabwe?
Candidates usually need a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or Business Administration. Significant experience in fundraising, donor relations, or stakeholder engagement, especially within the education or NGO sector, is highly valued.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for an Advancement & Relations Officer at an educational institution in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks often include developing and implementing fundraising strategies, managing alumni databases, nurturing donor relationships, and planning engagement events. You would also be involved in internal and external communications to promote the institution's mission.
What is the typical work culture and what are the general expectations for a professional in this role within a Zimbabwean educational setting?
The work culture often emphasizes professionalism, respect for institutional values, and strong interpersonal relationships with stakeholders. Employers expect resourcefulness, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to navigate local socio-economic nuances effectively.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for an Advancement & Relations Officer in Zimbabwe?
Successful officers can advance to senior roles such as Head of Advancement, Fundraising Manager, or Director of Communications within the education sector or NGOs. Professional development through workshops and industry networking is crucial for growth.
What typical employment benefits can one expect for a professional role like this at a Zimbabwean institution?
Standard benefits usually include paid annual leave, medical aid coverage (often with a co-payment structure), and contributions to a pension scheme (e.g., NSSA or a private fund). Some institutions may offer additional allowances like transport or housing, depending on the role and employer.