Community Development Manager - Economic Empowerment

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Impactful community work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Community Development Manager to lead economic empowerment initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. You will design and oversee programs to improve livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance local development, coordinating with government, NGOs, and private partners.

The role requires a master's degree in a related field, 5+ years in community development, and strong leadership, communication, and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required with focus on community development, economics, or public policy.
• Minimum 5 years in community development, economic empowerment, or project management.
• Proven track record in developing and managing community initiatives.
• Strong understanding of economic development, entrepreneurship support, and local drivers.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder skills.
• Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships; strong PM and reporting.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Ability to work well in team-based and independent settings.
• Willingness to travel within Sandton and attend community events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for community economic empowerment in Sandton.
• Identify opportunities for job creation, skills development, and small business support.
• Build and manage relationships with community groups, government, and private sector partners.
• Oversee implementation of projects, meeting objectives and timelines.
• Secure funding through grant writing, fundraising, and partnerships.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies for new projects.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes and report impact.
• Facilitate community dialogue and participation in development processes.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Stay updated on best practices and trends in community development.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and participants.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Financial Management

Reporting

Fundraising

Travel Readiness

Education

Master's degree in Community Development, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Community Development Manager to lead initiatives focused on economic empowerment in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA. This hybrid role requires a strategic thinker with a passion for fostering sustainable community growth and creating opportunities for local residents. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing local economic development. This involves engaging with various stakeholders, including community members, local government, businesses, and NGOs, to build strong partnerships and secure resources. The ideal candidate possesses strong project management skills, a deep understanding of economic development principles, and the ability to inspire and mobilize communities. This is a significant opportunity to shape impactful economic initiatives and drive positive change within the Sandton area. We are looking for a leader committed to creating lasting economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents. Your leadership will be key to fostering a more prosperous and inclusive Sandton.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for community economic empowerment initiatives in Sandton.
• Identify opportunities for job creation, skills development, and small business support.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and private sector partners.
• Oversee the implementation of community projects, ensuring they meet objectives and timelines.
• Secure funding and resources through grant writing, fundraising, and partnership development.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies for new economic development projects.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, reporting on impact and making recommendations for improvement.
• Facilitate community dialogue and participation in development processes.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in community economic development.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and community participants.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Community Development, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in community development, economic empowerment programs, or project management.
• Proven track record in developing and managing successful community initiatives.
• Strong understanding of economic development theories, entrepreneurship support, and local economic drivers.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in project management, financial management, and reporting.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Ability to work effectively in both team-based and independent settings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel within the Sandton area and attend community events.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with significant opportunities for professional growth and impact. This hybrid role provides flexibility while allowing for crucial on-the-ground engagement in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA. You will join a dedicated team working on innovative projects aimed at fostering sustainable economic development. We offer a supportive work environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead impactful initiatives that transform communities. Contribute to building a stronger economic future for the Sandton region.