Social Program Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a Queenstown-based nonprofit to recruit an experienced Social Program Manager who will guide multiple community programs, oversee staff, and drive measurable impact.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships with government and funders to empower disadvantaged families. A strong commitment to social justice is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in managing social programs, with 3+ years in leadership.
• Proven budget management, grant writing, and fundraising experience.
• Solid understanding of social development challenges in the regional context.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Record of leading teams to deliver program results in a nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and execution of all social programs within the portfolio.
• Mentor program staff, providing guidance, support and performance feedback.
• Develop and manage program budgets with financial accountability.
• Cultivate relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies and funders.
• Oversee program monitoring and evaluation; collect data to demonstrate impact.
• Represent the organization in community forums and contribute to policy discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Fundraising

Grant writing

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in Social Work / Public Administration / Development Studies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization committed to social upliftment in Queenstown , is seeking an experienced Social Program Manager . This leadership role involves overseeing the strategic direction, implementation, and impact assessment of multiple social programs aimed at empowering disadvantaged individuals and families. You will manage a team of program officers and coordinators, foster community partnerships, and ensure programs meet the evolving needs of the community in the Eastern Cape . This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of all social programs within the organization's portfolio.
• Manage and mentor program staff, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and funding partners in Queenstown .
• Oversee program monitoring and evaluation, collecting data to demonstrate impact and inform strategic adjustments.
• Represent the organization in relevant community forums and contribute to policy discussions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing social programs, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience in budget management, grant writing, and fundraising.
• Strong understanding of the social landscape and development challenges in the Eastern Cape .
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive program success in a non-profit setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Opportunities for strategic leadership and significant community impact.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment dedicated to social change.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.