Program Director - Social Services

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks an experienced Program Director to lead strategic direction, program design, budgeting, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement for social services. You will guide a dedicated team to deliver high-quality services aligned with organizational goals.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field and has at least seven years of progressive social service leadership, including three years in a director

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Non-profit Management or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in managing social service programs, including at least 3 years in a leadership/directorial role.
• Deep knowledge of social service delivery models, funding streams, and regulatory environments.
• Proven budget management, fundraising, and grant writing/management experience.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and staff development abilities.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all social service programs in Welkom.
• Oversee program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets, including financial planning, resource allocation, and grant management.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise program staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and funding partners.
• Ensure programs comply with all relevant regulations, standards, and reporting requirements.
• Identify emerging community needs and trends, adapting programs accordingly.
• Represent the organization at external meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within program delivery.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and financial status for the board and other stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Non-profit Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations in Welkom, Free State , is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Director. This senior leadership position will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and execution of all social service programs. You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful services that meet the evolving needs of the community in Welkom . The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership capabilities, extensive experience in social services program management, and a deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment. This is a chance to significantly shape the future of social support in the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all social service programs in Welkom .
• Oversee program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets, including financial planning, resource allocation, and grant management.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise program staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and funding partners.
• Ensure programs comply with all relevant regulations, standards, and reporting requirements.
• Identify emerging community needs and trends, adapting programs accordingly.
• Represent the organization at external meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within program delivery.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and financial status for the board and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Non-profit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing social service programs, with at least 3 years in a leadership or directorial role.
• In-depth knowledge of social service delivery models, funding streams, and regulatory environments.
• Proven experience in budget management, fundraising, and grant writing/management.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and staff development skills.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic context of the Free State , particularly Welkom .
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site presence with remote work.
• Commitment to principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• competitive salary commensurate with experience
• comprehensive benefits package
• hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility
• professional development opportunities are readily available

Join a passionate team dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Free State.