Craft and Design Institute (CDI)

About the Organisation

The Craft and Design Institute (CDI) is one of South Africa’s leading creative economy development organisations, dedicated to growing sustainable creative businesses and unlocking economic opportunities through design, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Established in 2001, CDI has spent more than two decades supporting entrepreneurs, designers, makers and creative enterprises across South Africa. Today, the organisation works with thousands of creative businesses nationwide, helping them develop commercially viable products, strengthen business capabilities, access new markets and build sustainable enterprises that contribute to inclusive economic growth.

As CDI continues to expand its impact, it is seeking experienced professionals to strengthen the governance of both its non-profit company and its commercial subsidiary through the appointment of additional Non-Executive Directors.

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Current Opportunities

Craft and Design Institute (NPC)

The Board is seeking 3 experienced board members with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Marketing and brand strategy
• Technology, digital innovation, or technology development
• Commercial business development

CDI Capital (Pty) Ltd

The Board is also seeking a board member with expertise in:

• Finance and accounting
• Loan book management
• Lending, investment, or development finance
• Financial governance and risk oversight

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The Opportunity

These appointments provide an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is creating meaningful economic and social impact through entrepreneurship and the creative industries.

Working alongside an experienced Board and executive leadership team, successful candidates will provide strategic guidance, governance oversight, and independent judgement to support the continued growth, sustainability, and long-term success of the organisation.

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Candidate Profile

The ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Previous board, governance, or senior executive leadership experience.
• Strategic thinking and sound commercial judgement.
• An understanding of corporate governance principles and fiduciary responsibilities.
• The ability to contribute independently and constructively to Board deliberations.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• A genuine commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and South Africa’s creative economy.

Applications are welcomed from candidates across South Africa. While CDI is headquartered in Cape Town, candidates based in Johannesburg are also encouraged to apply.

To strengthen the diversity of the Board, applications from black female professionals are particularly encouraged.

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Time Commitment

Board members will be appointed to serve on either the CDI NPC Board or the CDI Capital (Pty) Ltd Board.

Responsibilities include:

• Attendance at scheduled virtual Board meetings.
• Preparation for meetings through review of Board documentation.
• Participation in strategic discussions and governance oversight.
• Providing specialist expertise to support the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

Board meetings are conducted virtually. Should in-person meetings be required, reasonable travel expenses will be covered by the organisation.

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Remuneration

These are voluntary (non-remunerated) Board appointments.

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Why Join the CDI Board?

This is an opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of one of South Africa’s leading creative economy organisations.
• Apply your professional expertise to an organisation with measurable national impact.
• Support entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development.
• Work alongside an experienced Board and executive leadership team committed to strengthening South Africa’s creative sector.

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Applications

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A Board or Executive CV.
• A brief motivation outlining their relevant experience, the Board they wish to serve on, and the contribution they believe they can make to the organisation.

Applications should be submitted via email to:

Lynne Taylor (COO, CDI)

Email: lynne.taylor@thecdi.org.za

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps in the selection process.