Program Director - Youth Empowerment

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Significant opportunity to shape youth

Lead a dedicated and talented team

Strategic leadership role with high-vi

Professional development and external/

Prime office location in Sandton

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA seeks a visionary Program Director - Youth Empowerment to lead and scale strategic youth initiatives. You will oversee program design, budgeting, and stakeholder partnerships while guiding a skilled team toward measurable impact.

The role requires deep expertise in youth development, education challenges in South Africa, and a passion for social change. Based in Sandton, you will drive growth, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in program leadership and management within youth development, education, or social impact sectors.
• Demonstrated success in developing and scaling complex programs.
• Exceptional leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for youth empowerment programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all youth-focused initiatives.
• Manage and mentor a team of program managers and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial stewardship and accountability.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with educational institutions, government bodies, community organizations, and corporate partners.
• Monitor program impact, outcomes, and KPIs, reporting to the board and stakeholders.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to fundraising strategies.
• Represent the organization at high-level forums and advocate for youth development.
• Ensure programs are innovative, responsive to community needs, and aligned with best practices.
• Drive the continuous improvement and scaling of successful youth programs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Education, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious foundation dedicated to empowering youth through education and skills development, is looking for a visionary Program Director - Youth Empowerment to lead their initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA . This senior leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to design, implement, and scale impactful youth programs. The Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program, including strategic planning, team leadership, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. This position is based in our client's head office in Sandton , requiring a strong presence within the Johannesburg metropolitan area's youth development ecosystem. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in youth development, a deep understanding of educational challenges, and a passion for driving positive social change. You will inspire a dedicated team and forge critical partnerships to maximize program impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for youth empowerment programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all youth-focused initiatives.
• Manage and mentor a team of program managers and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial stewardship and accountability.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with educational institutions, government bodies, community organizations, and corporate partners.
• Monitor program impact, outcomes, and key performance indicators, reporting to the board and stakeholders.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to fundraising strategies.
• Represent the organization at high-level forums and advocate for youth development.
• Ensure programs are innovative, responsive to community needs, and aligned with best practices.
• Drive the continuous improvement and scaling of successful youth programs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Education, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program leadership and management, specifically within youth development, education, or social impact sectors.
• Demonstrated success in developing and scaling complex programs.
• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and educational landscape affecting youth in South Africa .
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Outstanding strategic thinking, planning, and execution capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience in financial management and budget oversight.
• Experience in fundraising and resource development is a significant asset.
• Based in or able to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng, ZA and operate effectively within this hub.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package.
• Significant opportunity to shape youth futures.
• Lead a dedicated and talented team.
• Strategic leadership role with high visibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and international engagement.
• Prime office location in Sandton .
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave and performance bonuses.