Programme Manager

Role PurposeThe Programme Manager plays a central role in delivering the mission of the Fellowship. This role requires operational excellence, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to transformation in higher education.The Programme Manager will:Lead and support Fellows’ journeys, ensuring meaningful engagement, mentorship, and development.Manage effective delivery of the programme across all focus areas.Contribute to the programmes’ strategic agenda by supporting institutional expansion, strengthening partnerships, and shaping research and reporting outputs.Align programme delivery with the values of transformation, inclusivity, excellence, and global engagement.   Key Responsibilities Programme Design – Fellowship Development & Institutional Expansion (10%)Support the development of institutional onboarding frameworks for universities joining the programme.Assist the CEO in replicating and scaling the Fellowship to additional South African universities.Contribute to the design and roll-out of developmental programmes aligned with the mission and host institutions. Programme Management – Fellowship Implementation, Coordination & Support (25%)Serve as the primary point of contact for Fellows, providing responsive and solution-oriented support.Lead onboarding, orientation, and ongoing Fellow engagement.Track Fellows’ progress toward leadership and professorship pathways, maintaining updated records of milestones and support needs.Collaborate with the Alumnae Association and institutional partners to nurture Fellows’ aspirations.Coordinate workshops, seminars, and events, supporting Fellow- and alumni-led initiatives. Research & Impact Evaluation – Strategic Reporting (20%)Conduct programme reviews using feminist, decolonial, and intersectional frameworks.Implement the longitudinal study in collaboration with researchers.Lead data collection, interviews, and analysis for monitoring and learning.Produce high-quality reports, academic publications, and presentations to showcase outcomes.Support research chairs in areas such as Gender-Based Violence, entrepreneurship, and gender equity. Funding Support – Programme Funding & Risk Management (10%)Assist the CEO in securing, managing, and reporting on funding.Liaise with finance teams and research offices to ensure compliance and accountability.Engage with Fellows on grant allocations and escalate risks as required. Relationship Management – Internationalisation & Global Partnerships (15%)Support the management of partnerships with international institutions.Facilitate Fellow participation in mobility programmes, joint initiatives, and collaborative research.Track and report on international engagement and outcomes.Use data insights to strengthen global partnerships and programme expansion. Data Management & Administration (15%)Maintain secure and accurate records of Fellow progress and programme documentation.Lead the fellowship application process with transparency and fairness.Manage scheduling, correspondence, and submissions to the Board throughout the Fellowship lifecycle. Social Media & Communications (5%)Oversee the implementation of the social media and digital strategy, supervising the Social Media Officer.Review and approve campaigns to ensure alignment with the programmes vision and brand.Work with partners to ensure the website remains current, engaging, and impactful. Qualifications & ExperienceMaster’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in programme management within higher education, development, or philanthropy.Strong grounding in feminist and intersectional frameworks, with a demonstrated commitment to transformation.Experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and impact reporting.Proven ability to manage programme data systems and international partnerships. Skills & CompetenciesStrategic thinker with strong project and operational management capabilities.Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.Strong writing and presentation abilities for diverse audiences.Ability to thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.Passion for inclusive leadership, academic transformation, and social justice. Desirable AttributesExperience working across multiple universities or academic institutions.Exposure to international academic mobility or partnerships.Demonstrated involvement in programmes or research advancing gender equity.Familiarity with donor relations and philanthropy.