Chris Eksteen

Experience

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  Entabeni Education Centre

  Aug 2008 - Jul 2009

  Programme Manager

  I oversaw and evaluated gap year intakes. I was responsible for developing programs and menus for environmental groups, as well as activities. I trained students in environmental and outdoor education and interpretation. Additionally, I handled budgeting, marketing, and general management. I also provided support and training for crane rehabilitation and related projects.

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  Koppiesvlei Outdoor Education Centre

  Aug 2009 - Dec 2015

  Managing Director

  As the inaugural Managing Director of Koppiesvlei Group, I was responsible for establishing and leading the organization. I created an outdoor education centre tailored to the South African market to provide a hub for skills development and sustainability training. I crafted a strategic plan that fostered scalable growth and developed training materials, policies, and procedures in the areas of leadership development, centre operations, health and safety, adventure guiding, marketing, and environmental education.I also took the lead in marketing and community outreach, staff recruitment, HR, and financial management of the group. This role put me in a national position to represent the camping industry on an international platform and help shape industry standards on the African continent. Show less

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  Panza Publishers

  Dec 2015 - Jul 2019

  Project Manager

  As the lead project manager, I was responsible for the development of a four-book series on environmental and outdoor education. I effectively managed the project from start to finish, overseeing all aspects including research, editing, design, and production. In addition to content creation, I also led the distribution and marketing efforts for the guidebook series. I designed and executed impactful marketing campaigns to increase the visibility and reach of the series. I also presented the research findings at various international conferences, showcasing the significance of the project and its impact on environmental and outdoor education. These presentations allowed me to engage with experts in the field and gain valuable insights for future projects. Show less

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  KIDZCALL

  Feb 2016 - Jul 2018

  Project Manager

  As a contracted project manager, I was in charge of managing a project funded by the National Lotteries. My scope of work included all aspects of project management, including: developing the program, providing training, communicating with clients, writing reports, implementing, designing, scheduling, costing, evaluating, managing quality, stakeholder engagement and coordinating the project efforts.By utilizing my expertise in project management, I played a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of the project, from start to finish. I made sure all aspects were carried out effectively and efficiently, contributing to the overall success of the project. Show less

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  Cape Leopard Trust

  Aug 2019 - now

  I orchestrate ongoing operations and streamline administration procedures to advance the trust’s mission. I navigate the operational logistics, crafting policies and procedures that resonate with the trust’s culture and vision.Driven by a commitment to excellence, I establish ambitious performance goals and foster strategic growth initiatives. By nurturing a collaborative environment, I empower cross-functional teams to achieve collective success. At the helm of resource management, I optimise utilisation and allocation to ensure maximum efficiency and impact. Upholding the highest standards of integrity, I lead by example in every facet of my work, inspiring others to do the same.Key Responsibilities include:Championing operational excellenceStrategic resource managementFacilitating cross-functional collaboration Show less Realigned the department's work with the theory of change and established goals. Set short-, medium-, and long-term goals to create a pathway for sustainability. Implementing policies for streamlined operation, monitoring and reporting. Pursuing a holistic approach by integrating activities with other departments. Maintained and strengthened partner and funder relationships. Defined clear programs and developed all aspects of the department. Implementing new and innovative education programs. Assessing inclusivity and create inclusive resources. Produce curriculum-aligned educational content and online resources (e.g., videos, audiobooks, online lessons, and activities) for in-class support. Secured long-term funding through new funding streams and models. Form part of the exco team leading the trust. Show less

  • Chief Operations Officer

    Jun 2024 - now

  • Education and Outreach Manager

    Aug 2019 - Jun 2024