Program Director - Social Impact

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a visionary Program Director for Social Impact to lead a portfolio of community-focused programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and measurable outcomes.

You will direct strategic planning, oversee program design, budgeting, and evaluation, and mentor a team of program managers while fostering collaboration with government bodies, partners, and donors to drive sustainable social change in the Free State.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or equivalent in relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in program management and leadership within non-profit or social impact sectors.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling social programs.
• Strong understanding of social issues, policy development, and community engagement strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and impact measurement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all social impact programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure effectiveness and impact.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Lead and mentor program teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, community partners, and donors.
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and measure impact.
• Identify emerging social issues and opportunities for program development.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and public events.
• Ensure programs are delivered ethically and effectively within the Bloemfontein context.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting & financial management

Monitoring & evaluation

Team leadership & mentorship

Communication & negotiation

Presentation skills

Relationship building

Policy understanding

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading non-profit organization committed to driving positive social change in **Bloemfontein**, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Program Director for Social Impact. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic development, oversight, and successful execution of a portfolio of impactful programs designed to address key community needs. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and impact measurement within the social sector. You will lead a team of dedicated program managers and staff, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with the organization's mission and achieve measurable, sustainable outcomes. This position requires a deep understanding of the socio-economic landscape of **Bloemfontein** and the Free State province. We are looking for a dynamic leader with a proven ability to innovate, inspire, and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, community organizations, and beneficiaries. This is a critical role for an individual passionate about creating lasting positive change.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all social impact programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure effectiveness and impact.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Lead and mentor program teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, community partners, and donors.
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and measure impact.
• Identify emerging social issues and opportunities for program development.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and public events.
• Ensure programs are delivered ethically and effectively within the **Bloemfontein** context.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management and leadership within the non-profit or social impact sector.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and scaling social programs.
• Strong understanding of social issues, policy development, and community engagement strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and impact measurement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the **Bloemfontein** and Free State region's challenges and opportunities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead impactful programs at a strategic level.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate team.
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Make a tangible difference in the **Bloemfontein** community.