Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Program Manager for Vereeniging, Gauteng, to lead early childhood development programs in a non-profit setting. You will oversee program operations, budgets, staff, and partnerships, ensuring compliance with standards and measurable outcomes.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in ECD or related field, 6+ years of program management experience in non-profits or education, strong leadership and grant-writing skills, and a passion for families and young children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in program management within the non-profit or education sector, with a focus on ECD.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, staff, and diverse programs.
• In-depth knowledge of ECD principles, curriculum frameworks, and child development theories.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of ECD programs, ensuring high standards of care and education.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for program growth and sustainability.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and financial accountability.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and quality standards for ECD centers.
• Monitor program effectiveness through data collection and analysis, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
• Organize and facilitate parent workshops and community engagement activities.
• Champion the organization's mission and values throughout all program activities.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to fostering early childhood development, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager for their **Vereeniging, Gauteng** based operations. This role is critical for the successful planning, implementation, and oversight of high-quality ECD programs designed to support young children and their families. The Program Manager will lead a team of educators and support staff, manage budgets, develop strategic partnerships, and ensure adherence to educational standards and best practices. This position requires hands-on leadership within the **Vereeniging** community. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, possesses strong leadership and management skills, and has a proven track record in program development and execution. You will play a vital role in shaping the future of young learners in the **Gauteng** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of ECD programs, ensuring high standards of care and education.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for program growth and sustainability.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and financial accountability.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and quality standards for ECD centers.
• Monitor program effectiveness through data collection and analysis, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.
• Organize and facilitate parent workshops and community engagement activities.
• Champion the organization's mission and values throughout all program activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in program management within the non-profit or education sector, with a focus on ECD.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, staff, and diverse programs.
• In-depth knowledge of ECD principles, curriculum frameworks, and child development theories.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising is a plus.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for young children and families.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical benefits, and retirement savings contributions.
• This role provides an opportunity to lead impactful programs within the **Vereeniging** community, making a tangible difference.
• Professional development and training opportunities are provided to enhance leadership skills and stay abreast of sector advancements.
• You will be part of a dedicated team committed to the well-being and development of young children.
• Access to resources and support for program innovation and growth is available.