Program Director, Environmental Sustainability (Remote)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking an experienced Program Director for Environmental Sustainability to lead and execute strategic environmental initiatives nationwide. This role is fully remote and requires strong governance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term program leadership.

You will oversee budgets, cultivate partnerships with government, NGOs and corporate partners, and guide a distributed team of program managers to deliver measurable environmental impact across the country.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Biology, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental program management, policy, or advocacy with leadership.
• Proven success in developing and implementing large-scale environmental initiatives.
• Budget management, fundraising, and partnership development experience.
• Exceptional leadership and remote team management skills.
• Strong understanding of South African environmental policy and conservation strategies.
• Ability to think strategically and translate ideas into actionable plans.
• Proficiency with project management tools and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and conservation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for environmental sustainability programs.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of environmental initiatives aligned to organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets, resources and personnel.
• Build and maintain relationships with government, NGOs, communities, and corporate partners.
• Lead a remote team of program managers and specialists.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships.
• Monitor environmental trends and policy developments and advise strategy.
• Represent the organization in forums, conferences, and public discussions.
• Ensure effective communication and reporting on progress and impact to stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and best practices in conservation and sustainability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Remote team management

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Project management tools

Virtual collaboration

Budget management

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Policy knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Environmental Science/Management/Conservation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental conservation and sustainable practices, is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Director for Environmental Sustainability. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing our client's strategic environmental initiatives across South Africa. As a fully remote position, this role is ideal for a highly organized, self-motivated leader with a proven ability to manage complex projects and teams from a distance. You will be instrumental in developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and driving significant positive impact. We are looking for a passionate advocate for sustainability with exceptional strategic planning and execution skills to lead our client's environmental agenda. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in the country while maintaining close collaboration with a distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for environmental sustainability programs.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all environmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and personnel effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, environmental organizations, community groups, and corporate partners.
• Lead and inspire a remote team of program managers and specialists.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support environmental programs.
• Monitor environmental trends and policy developments, advising the organization on strategic responses.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and public discussions on environmental issues.
• Ensure effective communication and reporting on program progress and impact to stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and best practices in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in environmental program management, policy, or advocacy, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing large-scale environmental initiatives.
• Proven experience in budget management, fundraising, and partnership development.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills, particularly in a remote context.
• Strong understanding of environmental science, policy, and conservation strategies in South Africa.
• Ability to think strategically and translate complex ideas into actionable plans.
• Proficiency in project management tools and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Demonstrated passion for environmental sustainability and conservation.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This fully remote position provides significant autonomy, flexibility, and the ability to work from your preferred location. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful environmental programs on a national scale and contribute significantly to conservation efforts in South Africa. Professional development opportunities and the chance to work with a passionate, forward-thinking team are key aspects of this role. Join us to drive meaningful change for our planet.