Program Lead – EdTech Start-Up

Urban Digital Recruitment Ltd; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work environment

Growth opportunities

Job summary

A leading EdTech organization in Cape Town is seeking a Program Director to oversee program delivery and manage a team of Senior Program Managers. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in program management and a passion for social impact. This role offers competitive compensation and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in program or account management leadership in tech, startups, or development sector.
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders and expand partnerships.
• Skilled in end-to-end program delivery, budgeting, and cross-functional execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise, public sector, and international accounts; build trusted relationships.
• Oversee programs end-to-end; align partner objectives with youth needs.
• Coach two Senior Program Managers and set standards for planning and execution.

Skills

Program Management

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Budget Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Communication

Job description

Overview

Program Director / Lead – EdTech Start-Up

Location: Cape Town (Hybrid 2-3 days in office in CT). Reports to: Head of Partnerships. Direct Reports: 2 Senior Program Managers.

This next-generation social education platform connects millions of young people to skills, networks, and opportunities. We co-create gamified, AI-driven programs with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and international organisations to empower youth worldwide.

As Program Director, you will lead program delivery, manage two Senior Program Managers, and oversee a portfolio of global, multi-stakeholder programs. You will ensure timely, on-budget, and high-quality delivery while building trusted senior stakeholder relationships. Key responsibilities include delivering measurable impact, creating case studies and reports, and driving renewals and program expansions.

Responsibilities

• Relationship & Account Management: Lead enterprise, public sector, and international accounts; build trusted relationships; translate priorities into clear work plans; support proposals, budgets, renewals, and expansions.
• Program Strategy & Delivery: Oversee programs end-to-end; align partner objectives with youth needs; evolve frameworks, journeys, and delivery approaches.
• Leadership & Team Management: Coach two Senior Program Managers; set standards for planning, execution, and reporting; foster collaborative, accountable culture.
• Operations & Data: Coordinate cross-functionally; manage vendors; own budgets and resources; define KPIs, track performance, troubleshoot, and produce high-quality impact reports.
• Risk & Compliance: Uphold safeguarding, data privacy, and brand standards; lead reviews to embed lessons into future programs.

What’s on Offer

• Meaningful mission with tangible impact on the next generation
• Work with global partners at the intersection of technology, youth, and impact
• Autonomy to shape programs and lead strategic accounts
• Diverse, collaborative international team
• Growth opportunities as the organisation scales
• Competitive compensation and flexible work environment

Your Profile

• 10+ years in program or account management leadership in tech, startups, or development sector
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders and expand partnerships
• Experienced in managing senior-level program managers
• Skilled in end-to-end program delivery, budgeting, and cross-functional execution
• Excellent communicator, comfortable in fast-moving, international environments
• Passionate about youth opportunity and social impact

Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Project Management
• Industries: Technology, Information and Media