Senior Educational Programme Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Educational Programme Manager based in East London, Eastern Cape. You will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of major educational programs targeting underserved communities, while managing budgets and partnerships with schools and government departments.

The role requires 7+ years in educational program management, a strong SA education landscape understanding, and proven leadership to guide a team toward measurable learning outcomes and social impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing educational programs.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and M&E.
• Strong understanding of the South African education system and challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of educational programs from design to evaluation.
• Develop strategic plans and operational frameworks for program delivery.
• Manage budgets, resources and timelines with accountability.
• Lead, mentor and supervise a team of program officers and coordinators.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Monitor progress, collect data, and report on KPIs and impact.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to fundraising and proposal development.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Monitoring & Evaluation

Data analysis

Project management

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent non-profit organization focused on educational advancement, is seeking a dedicated Senior Educational Programme Manager to be based in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of key educational programs designed to improve learning outcomes for underserved communities. You will lead a team, manage budgets, forge partnerships with schools and stakeholders, and ensure the effective delivery of program objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational program management, a deep understanding of the South African education landscape, and a passion for driving positive change within East London and the surrounding regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned educational programs, from design and planning to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Develop strategic plans and operational frameworks for program delivery, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and timelines effectively, ensuring efficient utilization and accountability.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of program officers and coordinators.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government education departments, schools, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and prepare regular reports on key performance indicators and impact.
• Identify challenges and risks, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure program activities are implemented in accordance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and funding requirements.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and proposal development for future program expansion.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in education and non-profit program management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Education, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing educational programs, preferably within the non-profit or public sector.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation).
• Strong understanding of the South African education system and challenges faced by learners and schools.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight.
• Strong report writing and analytical skills.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and values.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and ample opportunities for professional development and training. Working within a mission-driven organization in East London, Eastern Cape, provides a rewarding career path focused on social impact and educational improvement. Join a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of students and communities.