The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (www.dell.org) builds pathways that change lives for families around the world. With offices in Austin, New Delhi, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Tel Aviv, the foundation supports programs that advance quality public education, promote children’s health, and strengthen family economic stability. Since its inception, the foundation has committed over $3 billion to initiatives that expand opportunities and improve outcomes for families globally.
Current Opportunity: Manager, Programs, Africa – Cape Town, South Africa
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is seeking a Manager, Programs, Africa to join our team in Cape Town. Reporting to the Head of Portfolio, Africa, this individual will design and execute strategies that accelerate education and employment opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the Western Cape, South Africa.
We are looking for a strategic thinker and hands-on operator who thrives at the intersection of vision and execution. The ideal candidate will be deeply connected within South Africa, with a proven ability to collaborate across nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and government sectors. This person will not only design bold strategies but also work directly with partners to implement them—driving measurable outcomes in partnership with grantees, social entrepreneurs, and cross-sector collaborators.
About the Role
This role balances strategic agility with direct engagement alongside partners and stakeholders. You’ll play a pivotal role in helping shape the Western Cape portfolio, setting priorities, and ensuring the region’s work aligns with the foundation’s mission and standards.
You will be expected to:
Drive Portfolio Strategy & Development
- Define and evolve investment and grantmaking approaches to maximize impact in the Western Cape.
- Lead projects with new and existing partners to ensure the success of foundation-supported initiatives.
- Identify and champion new models and practices that deepen impact and optimize the use of resources.
- Stay ahead of market trends and sector developments, proactively identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration to keep the foundation at the forefront of advancing its mission.
Evaluate and Execute Impact Proposals
- Conduct comprehensive due diligence on prospective grants and investment proposals, including financial, market, operational, and impact assessments.
- Develop detailed financial models and business plans to assess investment feasibility and sustainability.
- Undertake valuation analysis and sensitivity testing to inform investment decisions.
- Manage the end-to-end investment process—from pipeline sourcing to deal execution—ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and impact objectives.
- Prepare investment memoranda and presentations for internal review and Investment Committee deliberations.
Deliver and Scale High-Impact Programs
- Oversee the full lifecycle of projects, ensuring they achieve sustainable, measurable benefits for individuals and families.
- Work closely with grantees and investees to strengthen their capacity and accelerate growth and impact.
- Turn strategic plans into action, maintaining a sharp focus on execution and results.
Build and Nurture Partnerships
- Cultivate and sustain high-trust, results-driven relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including leaders in the impact sector, social entrepreneurs, industry experts, and funders.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by surfacing best practices, encouraging adaptive management, and facilitating open, transparent communication.
Monitor, Evaluate, and Optimize
- Lead rigorous data collection and analysis to monitor program and portfolio performance.
- Use evidence and evaluation to inform investment decisions, drive accountability, and sunset initiatives that are not delivering results.
- Synthesize and share lessons learned to influence both internal learning and broader systems change.
Collaborate and Influence
- Work closely with internal teams to integrate subject matter expertise and drive portfolio-wide learning.
- Manage external vendors to ensure timely, high-quality, and cost-effective outcomes.
- Represent the foundation as a credible, mission-aligned leader at conferences, working groups, and partner engagements.
Who You Are
Strategic Contributor & Executor: At least 10 years of experience managing complex projects with clear, measurable results. Background in consulting, investment, operations, or project management. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Analytical & Insightful: Able to synthesize information, connect the dots, and use data to guide decisions. Comfortable with technology and analytics.
Purpose-Driven & Resilient: Motivated by a desire to create lasting change for underserved communities. Adaptable, humble, and focused on impact.
Collaborative & Influential: Skilled at building partnerships and influencing outcomes across sectors, even without direct authority.
Innovative & Agile: Embraces ambiguity, adapts quickly, and consistently seeks new ways to drive results.
Key Skills and Traits
- Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.
- Ability to link on-the-ground execution to broader strategic objectives.
- Skilled at managing projects and external relationships.
- Excellent communicator—able to simplify complex ideas for diverse audiences.
- High ethical standards and accountability.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Travel Requirement
- Occasional domestic travel
- Potential international travel every other year
Why This Role?
Join a team that operates with urgency and optimism to drive real change. Our Western Cape portfolio is established, with ambitious growth goals, and we’re looking for someone who brings both energy and purpose to accelerating what works—by effectively managing and scaling existing investments, while also identifying new partners and opportunities. If you’re ready to bring your multi-sector experience into a mission-driven environment and help reimagine what’s possible, we would love to meet you.
This position was originally posted by Susan & Michael Dell Foundation and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.