NPO General Manager

Steering the overall operational, administrative, and strategic execution of a charitable children's home network, this leadership role ensures a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children in need. Operating within the South African non-profit sector and underpinned by Christian values, the position balances direct facility oversight with key support to professional social work functions and community engagement efforts. Working standard hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the General Manager maintains total operational compliance, leads home personnel, and coordinates resource allocation to preserve long-term organisational sustainability. The position requires flexibility to attend school engagements, handle daily errands, and remain available for unforeseen emergency response during weekends. Key Responsibilities Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations of the children’s home, including child welfare, staffing, and directing maintenance or IT support requests to respective leads. Policy & Compliance: Develop, implement, maintain, and update child safety and emotional development policies, ensuring both staff and children are fully educated on procedures. Financial & Donation Governance: Maintain strict tracking, management, and documentation of petty cash, receipts, pocket money, and supplies. Actively monitor donation usage (food, clothing, items) to prevent waste or misallocation. Staff & Relief Management: Coordinate relief worker activities for payroll processing, track staff leave, conduct performance evaluations, and direct recruitment and training of home personnel. Statutory & Government Compliance: Monitor and submit all required documentation for registration and funding to the Department of Social Development (DSD) and NPO Act timeously alongside the Finance team. Maintain active DSD engagement and ensure on-site availability for compliance visits. Social Worker & Development Support: Partner with the Social Worker to assess child needs, implement therapeutic and recreational programmes, monitor academic progress, and engage young adults on career or tertiary plans. Youth & Independent Living Coaching: Mentor young adults in tertiary studies or work, manage risk through corrective actions, and enforce independent living policies. Stakeholder & Community Coordination: Direct all volunteer inquiries, donor engagements, and public requests to the Comms, Marketing and Community Manager while representing the organisation in public forums. Direct Child & Facility Support: Provide direct transport for medical visits, purchase daily or weekly supplies (e.g., uniforms, groceries), attend school progress meetings, and negotiate school fee discounts or sponsorships. Essential Requirements Experience in volunteering, social work, psychology, non-profit management, or a related field. Proven track record in a non-profit organisation, preferably within the child welfare sector. Demonstrated understanding of regulations and statutory rules governing children's homes in South Africa. Strong organisational, administrative, prioritisation, and interpersonal management skills. Knowledge of South African cultural dynamics and socio-economic context. Valid driver’s licence and access to an own reliable vehicle. Ability to work weekends for unforeseen emergencies. Required Software Skills Excellent PC literacy and proficiency in MS Office (including Microsoft Excel). Benefits and Culture Guided by Christian values to support children in need. Annual leave starts at 15 days per annum, accruing 1 additional day per year worked up to a maximum of 20 days (capped at 15 accrued days at any one time). Work Arrangement On-site (incorporating local travel for errands, school visits, and medical transport). Employment Type 12 months Fixed Term contract (prospect of permanency thereafter)