African Leadership Academy (ALA) seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing and connecting a new generation of young leaders who will lead the continent towards lasting peace and shared prosperity for all. Since our inception in 2008 we have worked to lay the foundations of this audacious mission by identifying and developing a group of exceptional young leaders who will work together to shape Africas future. The flagship secondary education offering has expanded to early career and youth entrepreneurship programs like the Anzisha Prize and Africa Career Networks.
About Alumni Engagement
From 2010 to date, ALA has provided several services to alumni including career coaching, psychosocial support, reunions and events. In 2023, there was an extensive process of reimagining what a partnership between ALA and its alumni could be. We are now in the do phase of this initiative with many projects in the pipeline designed to build affinity and community among alumni and toward a collective vision for Africa.
ALA has close to 1400 alumni in over 70 countries - on gap years, studying for undergraduate or graduate programs, working or running their own ventures. An annual calendar of events and communications are supplemented with coaching and mental health services appropriate to the age and life-stage of our alumni community members. Younger alumni are mapped to a member of the Alumni Engagement team as their primary point of contact. An alumni association and governance structure is emerging and needs support to thrive.
Position Overview
The Director of Alumni Engagement is responsible for the health of the relationship between ALA and its alumni as a collective, and as individuals. To do so effectively, they need to be deeply attuned to the needs, attitudes, frustrations and aspirations of alumni and be able to distil these into insights that direct responsive program design and execution.
The ideal candidate can break down complex problems into component parts, define project outcomes and delegate tasks effectively. They must build strong team rhythms particularly with regard to communication and actively build relationships that will attract the time, treasure, and talent from alumni and other supporters in a volunteer capacity. Additionally, they will also be a strong coach, engaging alumni directly.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Management:
- You will inherit a strategy, work plan, budget and tactics and own their improvement and evolution.
- You will be expected to be a student of the craft and practice of alumni engagement approaches globally, able to share what makes them succeed and the challenges they face.
- You will be responsible for reporting on effectiveness, impact and activities.
- You will lead the institutions effort to support and enable the establishment of a robust and sustainable Alumni Association and serve as liaison.
- You will cultivate and manage a set of strategic external relationships particularly with an alumni subcommittee of the board - that can support your activities and improve your thinking.
- You will pay clear attention to risk, with a particular focus on safeguarding.
- You will lead a team to design and plan a calendar of events and activities to drive affinity and other outcomes.
- You will be responsible for the success and evolution of the alumni web/app portal and any other tools you may feel necessary to drive engagement between alumni.
- You will be responsible for the success of the ALA Pledge, ensuring alumni are not only signatories to it but are being supported to live out its intent.
- Your team will foster a culture of philanthropy and loyalty towards ALA over time, and build a collaborative relationship with ALAs fundraising team to increase alumni participation in giving initiatives.
- You will evolve the coaching approach to support alumni as they honour their pledge, maximising the limited resources you have.
- You will ensure support is offered appropriately to alumni at different life phases and develop effective ways to identify alumni of concern.
- You will lead a small and nimble team, driving their performance and learning. Those that you manage directly will see ALA as a great place to grow due to your investments in them.
- Your teams success depends on a successful relationship with the Academy, its students and faculty.
- You will be expected to participate in a range of student-facing activities, to ensure you have a clear understanding of and empathy for the journey this critical part of the alumni experience.
- The Alumni Engagement team that you will lead is situated within the Programs Division of the Academy. You will be responsible for the effective integration of the team into the wider divisions culture, policies and practices.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 7-10 years of work experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
- Experience designing and leading programs, with a track record of leading engagement events and campaigns.
- Results-oriented with a keen focus on understanding and measuring success.
- A self-starter who takes initiative and is able to work independently yet keep key stakeholders informed.
- A natural coach and facilitator who enjoys convening people and communities to create moments of meaning.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and analyst skills will be advantageous for drawing insights from alumni and campaign data.
- Has passion for Africa, the potential of its youth, and commitment to the vision of ALA.
- Lifelong learner: delights in learning and seeks to grow.
Start Date: 1 October 2024
Location: This role is based at ALAs campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is not a remote role. ALA will provide visa and relocation support for global candidates to South Africa.
