Social Impact Program Director

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Social Impact Program Director to lead and expand humanitarian and development initiatives in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. This remote-first role emphasizes strategic leadership, external partnership building, and rigorous program oversight to achieve measurable outcomes.

You will guide budgets, teams, and governance while ensuring ethical standards and impactful delivery across communities in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of progressive senior leadership experience in non-profit or international development.
• Proven success designing, managing, and scaling complex social impact programs.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, program management, and impact measurement.
• Exceptional leadership, team management and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with diverse partners and funding engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and operational plan for social impact programs in the Durban region and KwaZulu-Natal.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of programs, from conceptualization to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and achievement of financial goals.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, community groups, and corporate entities.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of program staff, fostering a collaborative high-performance culture.
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress, measure impact, and report on KPIs.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and donor relations efforts.
• Ensure programs are aligned with ethical standards, best practices, and the organization's mission.
• Represent the organization in forums, conferences, and public engagements advocating for social impact.

Skills

Strategic planning

Program management

Impact measurement

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree or PhD in International Development / Public Policy / Social Sciences

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international charity dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development, is seeking an exceptional Social Impact Program Director to oversee and expand its initiatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

This senior leadership position requires a strategic visionary with a proven track record in designing, implementing, and scaling impactful social programs.

You will be responsible for driving the organization's mission forward, ensuring effective resource allocation, fostering strong partnerships, and achieving measurable outcomes.

This role will leverage a remote-first approach, allowing for greater flexibility while maintaining close oversight of programs and teams that may operate across Durban and beyond.

The ideal candidate is a results-oriented leader with deep expertise in program management, stakeholder relations, and a commitment to creating lasting social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and operational plan for social impact programs in the Durban region and potentially broader KwaZulu-Natal.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of programs, from conceptualization and design to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources and adherence to financial goals.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, community groups, and corporate entities.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of program staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress, measure impact, and report on key performance indicators.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and donor relations efforts.
• Ensure programs are aligned with ethical standards, best practices, and the organization's mission.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and public engagements, advocating for social impact.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in senior leadership roles within the non-profit or international development sector.
• Demonstrated success in designing, managing, and scaling complex social impact programs.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, program management, and impact measurement.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging diverse partners.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience working in or with communities in South Africa or similar contexts is highly advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.

Benefits

This remote-first position offers a highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that make a profound difference in Durban and Kwa KwaZulu-Natal. Our client provides a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. As a Director, you will shape the future direction of impactful programs and contribute significantly to solving critical societal challenges. Join a globally recognized organization committed to positive change.