Program Director - Social Impact Initiatives

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement contributions

Leadership development & training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Program Director to lead and shape transformative social programs in a fully remote role. This senior position directs strategic planning, program development, and execution, with oversight of diverse projects and global partnerships, ensuring alignment with our mission to drive positive change.

The ideal candidate has 8–10+ years in international development, strong MEL expertise, and proven fundraising and leadership capabilities, enabling high-impact

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD required in a relevant field.
• Minimum 8–10 years in international development, humanitarian aid, or non‑profit program management.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for social impact programs.
• Oversee full lifecycle of programs from conception to evaluation.
• Manage a geographically dispersed team of program managers and specialists.
• Secure funding through grant writing and donor engagement; manage budgets.
• Foster partnerships with NGOs, governments, and stakeholders.
• Ensure data-driven programs with robust MEL frameworks.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

MEL frameworks

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication

Remote team leadership

Education

Master's degree or PhD in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized charity organization, is seeking a visionary Program Director to lead and shape its impactful social initiatives remotely. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic direction, development, and execution of key programs aimed at driving positive social change. The Program Director will oversee a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values, and will be instrumental in scaling successful interventions. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while making a substantial contribution to critical social causes. We are looking for an experienced leader with a proven track record in program management and a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for social impact programs, ensuring innovation and sustainability.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of programs, from conception and design to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Manage and mentor a geographically dispersed team of program managers and specialists.
• Secure funding through grant writing and donor engagement, and manage program budgets effectively.
• Foster strong partnerships with international NGOs, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure programs are data-driven, with robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track impact and outcomes.
• Represent the organization at international conferences, forums, and high-level meetings.
• Drive innovation and best practices in program delivery and impact measurement.
• Maintain a strong understanding of global development trends and challenges relevant to the organization's work.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in international development, humanitarian aid, or non-profit program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in designing, managing, and scaling complex social impact programs.
• Strong expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks.
• Proven ability in fundraising, grant management, and donor relations.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission and values of our client.

Benefits

This remote position offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including extensive health coverage, generous retirement contributions, and ample paid time off. Our client champions professional growth and provides access to cutting-edge training, virtual conferences, and leadership development programs. As a fully remote role, it offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. You will join a dynamic, international team united by a shared passion for creating lasting positive change on a global scale, contributing significantly from your chosen location.