Program Director - Social Services

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Annual performance-based bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a strategic Program Director to oversee its social service initiatives. This senior role focuses on program development, staff leadership, and financial oversight to advance social justice and community impact.

You will lead planning, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and ensure regulatory compliance to deliver lasting outcomes for KwaZulu-Natal communities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Non-profit Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of program management experience in social services or non-profit sector.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management.
• Strong leadership, team-building and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in program evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
• Understanding of Durban area social issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, development, and execution of all social service programs.
• Oversee program budgets with financial accountability.
• Manage and mentor program staff to build a high-performing team.
• Monitor outcomes and impact; use data to drive improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and reporting requirements.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, beneficiaries, partners, and funders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Leadership

Staff management

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Master's degree in Public Administration

Master's degree in Non-profit Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading non-profit organization in Durban , is looking for a strategic and compassionate Program Director to oversee its diverse social service initiatives. This senior role requires a visionary leader capable of managing multiple programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, and driving impactful change within the KwaZulu-Natal community. You will be responsible for program development, implementation, staff management, and financial oversight, working to address critical social issues. This is a key leadership position for someone passionate about social justice and committed to creating lasting positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of all social service programs.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Manage and mentor program staff, fostering a high-performance and collaborative team culture.
• Monitor program outcomes and impact, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and reporting requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and funders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Non-profit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in program management within the social services or non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Expertise in program evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
• Deep understanding of social issues relevant to the Durban area and beyond.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• A chance to lead impactful programs in Durban and shape the future of social services.