Job Details
Job Description
African Leadership Academy serves a uniquely talented and diverse student body. Each year, 125 students are selected from more than 2,500 applicants, representing the potential, ambition, and promise of the African continent. After two years in ALA’s leadership development program, students matriculate to leading institutions of higher education around the world.
ALA graduates have enrolled at 329 universities across 59 countries. Ninety-five percent enrol in university within 15 months of completing the program, and collectively these cohorts have been awarded more than $250 million in financial assistance.
Our alumni consistently outperform comparable peer groups. At universities worldwide, ALA graduates rise into campus leadership, earn academic distinctions, and receive prestigious awards. To date, ALA has produced four Rhodes Scholars, three Knight-Hennessy Scholars, and nine Schwarzman Scholars. While many alumni pursue university studies outside the continent, the majority return to work in Africa within the first five years of their careers.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
ALA’s University Guidance program supports this exceptional student population and their families as they plan and pursue successful transitions beyond ALA. In line with our leadership philosophy, students are expected to take ownership of their futures. The program equips students and parents with the information, resources, and individualized coaching needed to pursue tertiary education pathways anywhere in the world.
The Director of University Guidance leads a four-person team responsible for delivering this program and shaping ALA’s overall university transitions strategy. At a pivotal moment in the Academy’s evolution, the Director will build on nearly 18 years of success to strengthen ALA’s global transitions footprint and further develop best-in-class systems, partnerships, and practices.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic and Programmatic Leadership:
- Partner with the Dean of the Academy to define and advance a comprehensive transitions strategy aligned with ALA’s mission and long-term goals.
- Design and deliver a two-year university transitions curriculum for a pan-African cohort pursuing global tertiary opportunities, often with significant financial need.
- Provide direct counselling and guidance to approximately 35 to 45 Year 2 students.
- Lead a structured program of engagement with parents as partners in the transitions process.
- Serve as a core member of the Dean’s leadership team, aligning work across the Academy to achieve shared outcomes.
Team Leadership and Performance Management:
- Lead, coach, and support a team of three counsellors and one administrative assistant.
- Plan and manage the departmental budget to ensure effective use of resources.
- Use data, systems, and disciplined execution to drive strong results and continuous improvement.
- Build, maintain, and enhance strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, and scholarship organizations worldwide.
- Represent the Academy on university campuses and at regional and international conferences and professional forums
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree level qualification.
- Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in university counselling or university admissions, including at least two years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven track record of working with high-achieving low-income students in their transition to university.
- Ability to advise students on higher education and scholarship options in various countries around the world.
- Proven ability to build relationships with colleges and universities and to advocate effectively for students.
- Postgraduate level qualification
- Maintains involvement in professional organizations (NACAC, International ACAC, etc).
- Experience designing structured programs and learning experiences that equip students to make informed post-secondary decisions.
- Experience working in an international school context.
- Experience with college counselling platforms (MaiaLearning, Slate, SCOIR, Naviance) and ability to use data to drive decisions.
COMPETENCIES:
Technical competencies:
- Deep understanding of admissions systems across key geographies (US, UK, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia).
- Knowledge of standardized testing landscapes, including (but not limited to) SAT, A-Levels, DET, IELTS, and TOEFL.
- Deep understanding of financial aid and scholarship frameworks (both need-based aid and merit aid) and advising students on the CSS Profile.
- Experience with pool management.
- Experience supporting students to complete the Common App and UCAS.
- Strong experience advising students toward academically appropriate and financially viable university options.
- Proven ability to translate enrolment targets into a clear, data-informed admissions strategy.
- Passionate about the African continent, its people and its future.
- Passionate about connecting high-potential youth with high-impact opportunities.
- Strong relationship-building skills at both individual and institutional levels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent one-on-one problem-solving and collaborating skills.
- Project Management skills
- Ability to prioritise and work independently.
- Logical and rational decision-making approach
- Attention to detail
- Proactive approach and demonstrates initiative
- Growth-oriented mindset with a willingness to innovate and adapt.
- Outstanding relationships with students and staff members, which promote excellence and respect amongst all members of our community
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build professional relationships with students, faculty, parents, and universities.
- High levels of integrity, confidentiality, and emotional maturity.
- Good Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders and staff at all levels, together with the ability to resolve conflicts
- Resilient and possess the ability to defuse confrontation situations
- Capacity to remain calm and work under pressure of deadlines
- Patience, diplomacy, empathy, and flexibility when dealing with a range of situations and people
- Self-confidence and a willingness to accept responsibility and, where required, take initiative
- Ability and willingness to build a positive relationship with all stakeholders
- Committed and enthusiastic
Report to: Dean of the Academy
Job Location: ALA Campus, Honeydew, Johannesburg
Start date: As soon as possible
