Call for applications: Busara Promotions managing director

Busara Promotions is a non-profit organisation registered in Zanzibar since 2003, building skills and offering professional employment opportunities in an East African music industry that is connected and in exchange with other regions. Its flagship event, Sauti za Busara festival held annually in Zanzibar in February, brings people together in celebration of the richness and diversity of African music.

Job summary

Reporting to the board of trustees, the managing director will be responsible for the overall success of Busara Promotions. He or she will lead operations, people and projects, as well as design plans to meet targets and build or strengthen long-lasting relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. 

The managing director will be the strategist and leader who steers the organisation’s vision, mission and long-term goals. His or her main role will be to ensure continued progression in professionalism and financial sustainability, with increasing standards of artistic quality, technical production, attendance, participation and audience reach for its annual music festival.

He or she will be subject to the general supervision, advice and direction of the Busara Board of Trustees.

Key responsibilities

Organisational management:

• Ensure Busara Promotions remains focused and consistent in delivering quality activities through the year in keeping with the vision, mission and core values as outlined in its Strategic Plan.
• Lead in developing and implementing Busara’s five-year strategic plans.
• Ensure organisational policies, procedures and legal guidelines are regularly updated.
• Ensure a positive work environment, preventing and resolving problems.
• Provide strategic advice to the Busara Board and Chairperson.
• Supervise the work of finance, admin, ICT, marketing managers and other team leaders, providing guidance, motivation and support to drive maximum performance.
• Analyse problematic situations and provide solutions to ensure survival and growth.
• Ensure that performance appraisal, staff training and professional development activities are available.
• Ensure that systems continue to build skills and capacities for local artists and festival crew members.
• Link and network with other like-minded local, regional and international organisations.
• Assist with promoting Busara activities throughout the year, including public speaking and representing at meetings and conferences in a professional manner.

Financial oversight:

• Oversee the organisation’s financial performance with sound management procedures.
• Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans with clear timelines and budgets.
• Plan cost-effective operations and market development activities.
• Prepare quarterly summaries and annual reports.

Fundraising and resource mobilisation:

• Develop and implement effective fundraising strategies, in line with five-year plans.
• Budget and fundraise for the annual Sauti za Busara festival.
• Build long-term, trusting relationships with embassies and donors, business partners, government authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ensure funders’ contributions (in cash or in-kind) are invoiced, delivered and acknowledged, as per contracts and agreements.
• Research potential new funders, prepare and share grant applications or sponsorship packages, with regular meetings and follow up as required.
• Advise and assist in growing self-generated revenues to broaden income streams, e.g. tickets and passes, merchandise, film permits, broadcasting rights, advertising and commissions.

Monitoring and evaluation:

• Monitor and evaluate activities, producing reports for donors and sponsors as required.

Academic and professional qualifications

Degree in arts, business or a related field (preferred).

Experience

Minimum five years’ relevant international working experience (compulsory).

Key competencies

• Excellent leadership and team-playing skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to plan, multitask and cope with competing priorities.
• Proven financial management, budgeting and reporting skills.
• Proven fundraising skills with major donors and/or sponsors.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (compulsory) and Swahili (preferred).
• Fluency in Word, Excel (compulsory); Photoshop/InDesign (preferred) and QuickBooks (preferred).
• Proven interest in African music, arts and culture as tools for development.
• Charisma, integrity, patience, stamina, openness and respect for cultural diversity.

Contract

Two years, starting anytime from 1 May 2023 and not later than 3 July 2023, with the first six months as a trial period to confirm employer-employee suitability. If mutually agreed, the contract will be reviewed and renewed after two years. 

Remuneration and benefits

The monthly salary will be in the range of Tsh4 500 000 (about $1 900) to Tsh6 000 000 tax-deductible. The amount is negotiable based on experience.

The employer also offers:

• Tanzanian residence and work permits costs, if required.
• Contributions to Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), as per local laws and regulations.
• Leave entitlement: 25 days per year, plus government holidays.

To apply

Email your CV with a letter of motivation and contacts for at least two professional referees to busara@busara.or.tz not later than midnight (EAT) on 23 April 2023. 

Note: Busara Promotions promotes respect for cultural diversity and pluralism. In selection and recruitment, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, class, gender, ethnicity, politics or religion.

View the original call here.