Full-time Early Childhood Development Program Manager (Hybrid Role)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Social impact-focused role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Program Manager in Bloemfontein to lead and shape early childhood development initiatives. The role combines on-site leadership with remote strategic planning, focusing on program design, staff supervision, and stakeholder partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's in ECD or related field, 6+ years of progressive ECD program management experience, and strong budgeting, communication, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in managing ECD programs or related social development initiatives.
• Proven leadership and team management skills with experience supervising staff.
• Strong understanding of ECD policies, curriculum frameworks, and South Africa standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all ECD programs.
• Mentor and supervise a team of ECD practitioners and support staff.
• Ensure programs meet regulatory standards and educational best practices.
• Develop and manage program budgets and resource allocation.
• Build relationships with parents, community stakeholders, government agencies, and partners.
• Lead outreach, enrollment, and community engagement strategies.
• Monitor outcomes using data to drive improvements and reporting.
• Develop new program initiatives for growth and sustainability.
• Facilitate staff training and professional development; manage remote/on-site tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Hybrid work management

Education

Master's degree in ECD or related field

Tools

Project management software

Data analysis tools

Communication platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable organization dedicated to enhancing early childhood education in Bloemfontein, is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Manager. This role is crucial for overseeing and developing impactful Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs within the community. The position is structured as a hybrid role, requiring a balance between on-site leadership and operational duties and remote administrative and strategic planning tasks. You will be responsible for program design, implementation, staff supervision, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of our ECD initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ECD program management, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and their families in the Bloemfontein area.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all ECD programs.


• Manage and mentor a team of ECD practitioners and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.


• Ensure programs meet all relevant regulatory standards, quality benchmarks, and educational best practices.


• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, government agencies, and partner organizations.


• Develop and implement strategies for program outreach, enrollment, and community engagement.


• Monitor program outcomes and impact, using data to inform continuous improvement and reporting.


• Lead the development of new program initiatives and identify opportunities for growth and sustainability.


• Facilitate training sessions and professional development opportunities for program staff.


• Manage administrative tasks, including reporting, record-keeping, and compliance, both remotely and on-site.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.


• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in managing ECD programs or related social development initiatives.


• Proven leadership and team management skills with experience in supervising staff.


• Strong understanding of ECD policies, curriculum frameworks, and best practices in South Africa.


• Experience in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.


• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.


• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement abilities.


• Proficiency in using relevant software for project management, data analysis, and communication.


• Ability to balance responsibilities effectively in a hybrid work environment.


• Passion for improving outcomes for young children and commitment to the mission of the organization.

Benefits

• Opportunity to lead and shape impactful ECD programs in Bloemfontein.


• A dynamic hybrid work model offering flexibility.


• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.


• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to child development.


• Professional growth and development opportunities.


• Contribute to significant positive social impact within the Free State province.