Program Manager - Community Development (On-site)

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role in Randburg

Professional development opportunities

Leadership development programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a seasoned Program Manager - Community Development to lead end-to-end community initiatives on-site. The role requires strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and strong budgeting oversight to align with organizational goals.

Ideal candidate brings 5–7 years in program management within the non-profit or social sector, with proven leadership and financial management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Community Development, Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in program management with a focus on community development.
• Experience designing, implementing, and managing complex social programs.
• Financial management experience including budgeting, forecasting, and grant reporting.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Experience in the South African context, Gauteng region preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of community development programs from concept to evaluation.
• Develop strategic plans and operational frameworks for program initiatives.
• Manage program budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, government, partners, and funders.
• Lead and mentor program officers and support staff; foster high performance.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and execute communication strategies to promote program impact.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies for new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting standards.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums and events.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Forecasting

Education

Master’s degree in Community Development or related field

Tools

Project management software

MS Office / Office applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Program Manager - Community Development to lead impactful initiatives in Randburg, Gauteng . This is a full-time, on-site role demanding strong leadership and strategic planning skills to drive community-focused projects forward. You will be responsible for the overall design, implementation, and evaluation of community development programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the local population and align with organizational goals. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in program management, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight within the non-profit or social sector. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute significantly to sustainable community growth and empowerment in the Gauteng region. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering positive social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of community development programs, from conceptualization to completion and evaluation.
• Develop strategic plans and operational frameworks for program initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and objectives.
• Manage program budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, partner organizations, and funders.
• Lead and mentor a team of program officers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Monitor program progress, identify potential risks and challenges, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and execute effective communication strategies to promote program visibility and impact.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to identify new program opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting standards, and legal regulations.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and public events.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Community Development, Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in program management, with a strong focus on community development initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and managing complex social programs.
• Proven experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and grant reporting.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Experience working within the South African context, particularly in the Gauteng region, is highly desirable.
• A passion for social impact and community empowerment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary commensurate with the extensive experience required for this Program Manager - Community Development role. As an on-site position based in Randburg , you will benefit from direct leadership engagement, access to organizational resources, and the opportunity to build strong working relationships within a vibrant office environment. Our client is committed to the professional development of its leadership team, providing opportunities for advanced training and strategic leadership development. This role offers the immense satisfaction of driving significant, sustainable change within communities and empowering local residents. You will lead initiatives that have a lasting positive impact and contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the Gauteng area. Join a respected organization dedicated to making a real difference.