Project Lead - Education Initiatives

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Project Lead to manage education initiatives in Pietermaritzburg. The role blends remote work with on-site engagement, guiding teams and driving program delivery to improve learning outcomes for local students.

You will build strong partnerships with schools, government bodies, and community partners, oversee budgets and timelines, and implement monitoring frameworks to measure impact in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of project management experience in education within the non-profit sector.
• Experience managing complex projects from initiation to closure.
• Strong understanding of educational challenges in the South African context.
• Proven leadership, stakeholder management, and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, development, and implementation of education projects.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Build relationships with educational institutions, government officials, and community partners.
• Oversee project teams, provide guidance and performance management.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess impact and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and funding through proposals.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements and organizational policies.
• Organize workshops, training sessions, and community engagements.
• Represent the organization at forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Stay updated on trends in education and non-profit management.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in Education

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to educational advancement, is seeking an experienced and visionary Project Lead to manage their key education initiatives in the Pietermaritzburg region. This hybrid role requires a dynamic individual who can effectively lead teams, manage projects from conception to completion, and foster strong partnerships with schools, government bodies, and community stakeholders. The position combines the flexibility of remote work with the necessity of on-site engagement for program delivery and relationship building. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and overseeing innovative educational programs designed to enhance learning outcomes and opportunities for students. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, exceptional project management skills, and a deep understanding of educational systems and challenges. This is an opportunity to drive significant positive change in the educational landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. We are looking for a passionate advocate for education who can inspire and guide their team towards achieving ambitious goals. Your expertise will be critical in shaping the future of education for many young learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and implementation of education projects.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with educational institutions, government officials, and community partners.
• Oversee project teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess project impact and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and secure necessary funding through proposal development.
• Ensure compliance with all project requirements and organizational policies.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community engagement events.
• Represent Our client at relevant forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in education and non-profit management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Education, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with a significant focus on education initiatives in the non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from initiation to closure.
• Strong understanding of educational challenges and best practices, particularly within the South African context.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage strong stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Experience working effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• A strong commitment to improving educational access and quality.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and development. This hybrid role provides the flexibility of remote work combined with the invaluable collaborative benefits of in-person interaction. Join a mission-driven organization committed to transforming education and making a lasting impact on young lives in the Pietermaritzburg area.