Current Vacancies at African Leadership Academy

Job Purpose:

At the African Leadership Academy (ALA) our vision is to develop the next generation of African Leaders. As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher at African Leadership Academy, you will be responsible for promoting the vision, mission, values and aims of the school to support students to become leaders.

ALA employs the tools of critical inquiry, design thinking, and experiential learning to develop a generation of entrepreneurial leaders for Africa and the world. As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher, you will develop and deliver engaging and challenging lessons that inspire students. You will work closely with other faculty members to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

At ALA, we recognize that nurturing the whole individual is paramount to shaping future leaders who are not only intellectually adept but also compassionate and socially responsible. In this role, you will be responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students feel empowered to explore their identities, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Through personalized guidance, mentorship initiatives, and engaging programming, we provide a safe and nurturing space for students to develop the social and emotional skills essential for success in today’s interconnected world.

ALA’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) department seeks dynamic, mature professionals with a demonstrated passion for ethical leadership, the entrepreneurial process, self-reflection, team collaboration and social impact.

The two-year EL program is crafted to lay a foundation of mindsets, behaviours, skill sets and values that will enable our young leaders to transform the African continent. Specifically, our program components include:
 

• Year 1, Term 1: EL Foundations on Personal Leadership, Purpose and Design Thinking for the Sustainable Development Goals
• Year 1, Term 1: A 4- 6 weeks individual Original Idea for Development Lab,
• Year 1, Term 2: A 6-8 weeks team Original Idea for Development Lab that culminates in the annual Entrepreneurship Festival
• Year 1, Term 3: Courage, Ethical Credo and Introduction to the Student Enterprise Program
• Year 2: Dual-track intensive professional and personal development through the Student Enterprise Program and the EL Proficiency Lab.

As an Entrepreneurial Leadership Teacher, you will be committed to collaborating with students, faculty, and families to create a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to reach their full potential.

Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Teaching

• Teach first-year and second-year EL courses. 
• Teach, students according to their educational needs, including the personalized planning and marking of work to be carried out by each student in accordance with school policy.
• Set appropriate, realistic yet demanding expectations for each student's learning, building on their prior attainment/knowledge.
• Ensure that the seven traits are reflected in the learning experience of students.
• Assess, record and report on the attendance, progress, development and attainment of students and to keep such records as are required.
• Ensure a high-quality learning experience for students that meets internal and external quality standards.
• Use a variety of delivery methods which will stimulate learning appropriate to student needs and demands of the syllabus.
• Track student progress and use information to inform teaching and learning.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the school’s procedures, and to encourage good practice with regards to punctuality, behaviour, appearance, and standards of work.

Coaching

• Coach 3-4 student enterprises in the Student Enterprise Program Simulation.
• Continually coach students in Year One through their implementation of Original Ideas for Development.
• Write termly commentary on Students’ development in entrepreneurial thinking and action in the EL Report.

Planning and Preparation

• Contribute to the curriculum area and department’s development plan and its implementation that ensures a rigorous and relevant EL program
• Plan, design and facilitate transformative experiential programs
• Plan and execute the department’s events through the Student Enterprise Program such as the South African Ideas Festival, LCOY, E-Fest, ALAMAU, Hackathons, etc.
• Contribute to the whole school’s planning activities.
• Assist the Head of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Director of Teaching and Learning in ensuring that the curriculum area provides a range of teaching which complements the school’s strategic objectives.

Co-Curricular Activities  

• Lead one co-curricular activity to support the holistic development of students.

Student Success/Advisory

You may serve as a faculty advisor for up to 12 students as they navigate a transformative journey of academic, personal, and social growth. In this role you will be expected to:

• Promote the general progress and well-being of all students, but particularly those within the designated Advisory Group.
• Conduct engaging and constructive weekly advisory lessons and lunch sessions, fostering a supportive and inclusive advisory culture.
• Perform weekly advisory check-ins to monitor advisees' academic and personal growth.
• Effectively participate in Community of Practice meetings, demonstrating empathy and proactive support for advisees.
• Write comprehensive advisory comments and provide prompt assistance in cases of disciplinary concern.
• Guide and support students in the development of their thesis projects, and rigorously evaluate and grade thesis presentations.
• Take part in community activities including, but not limited to parents’ conferences, open days and parental workshops.

Staff Development and Growth  

• Ensure continual professional development through the identification and implementation of your own Personal Development Plan.
• Take part in the school’s staff development programme by participating in arrangements for further training and professional development.
• Continue your own professional development in the relevant areas including subject knowledge, teaching methods and curriculum-based training.
• Engage actively in the performance management review process.

Person Specification:

Essential        

Behaviours

• Ability to work in a collaborative team and contribute meaningfully to uphold the values and ethos of the school. 
• Strong empathetic approach to students with diverse learning styles.
• Bringing innovative ideas and creative solutions to advance departmental goals while promoting an emotionally secure, warm, and stimulating environment conducive to learning.
• Exhibiting professionalism and consideration for the well-being of students, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
• A positive, resilient, and solution-focused attitude to working life.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.
• Showing respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
• Challenge-oriented, curious, and hard-working.

Skills and Knowledge

• A strong background in facilitation, coaching, and designing experiential programs.
• An innovator who creates world-class learning environments and fosters interdisciplinary connections.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of older teenagers.
• Organisational, administrative and IT skills.
• A talent for facilitating meaningful student development.
• A background in education, leadership development, business, or innovation and entrepreneurship
• Envisions a continent driven by a culture of leadership, international cooperation and excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

• University graduate.
• Experience in youth development/education.
• Experience in start-ups, technology, green economy, business, or nonprofit organizations.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the digital culture of schools, and ability to use new technologies through innovative, future-focused methodologies.
• Knowledge of the rapidly changing sector internationally.
• A background in architecture or engineering or relevant technical expertise to assist students in the MakerSpace.
• Experience teaching students in the 16 – 18 age range.
• Experience in international education.
• Previous experience working with students for whom English is not their first language.

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Job Purpose:

African Leadership Academy serves a capable and diverse student population. ALA’s university guidance programme serves this unique population of students and parents in planning and pursuing successful transitions beyond ALA. In keeping with our leadership development philosophy, students are expected to take the lead in authoring their future. The University Guidance programme provides students and families with the information, resources, and coaching necessary to pursue their tertiary education.

At ALA, our mission extends beyond academic achievement. We recognise that nurturing the whole individual is paramount to shaping future leaders who are not only intellectually adept but also compassionate and socially responsible. Central to our approach is the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive community where students feel empowered to explore their identities, navigate challenges, and build meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Through personalised guidance, mentorship initiatives, and engaging programming, we provide a safe and nurturing space for students to develop the social and emotional skills essential for success in today's interconnected world. As Director of University Guidance, you will work closely with the Director of Student Success to ensure each student’s trajectory supports their life journey beyond ALA.

As Director of University Guidance, you will work closely with the Director of Student Success to ensure each student’s trajectory supports their life journey beyond ALA. You will be committed to collaborating with students, families, and faculty as you lead the passionate department that delivers the UG programme at ALA. As such, you will be responsible for ALA’s overall transition strategy. At this exciting time in ALA’s history, the Director will be able to build on a decade of success to expand ALA’s global transition footprint and develop industry-leading systems and processes.

Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

 

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the university guidance strategic development plan, ensuring it reflects our context and the needs and aspirations of our students, parents, and other major stakeholders.
• Coordinate the university guidance strategy, policy, and practice in the Academy in conjunction with the Dean of the Academy.
• Ensure that university guidance and academic matters align and are working together in the best interests of students.
• Develop and promote a collegial working environment, where university guidance counsellors feel empowered through appropriate consultation and communication and prioritising their individual professional growth in the context of whole school improvement.
• Develop and maintain excellent parental relationships, ensuring a high level of communication and consultation, so that parents feel fully involved with the post-ALA transition planning of their child.
• Produce a detailed University Guidance report to the Dean, indicating successes, areas for improvement and provisions for ensuring financial efficiency.

University Guidance Strategy

• Collaborate with the Dean of the Academy to define and pursue an overarching transition strategy aligned with the Academy’s Strategic Plan and mission.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance collaborative partnerships with leading universities and scholarship partners around the world.
• Collaborate with marketing and Institutional Learning teams to develop and update departmental collateral for universities and parents.
• Represent the Academy on college campus visits as well as relevant regional and international conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate with university guidance counsellors on reviewing and enhancing the current University Guidance curriculum to effectively respond to the changing landscape of international university admissions.
• Research and plan strategic travel itineraries to enhance ALA’s reputation and build stronger partnerships with universities around the world.
• Collaborate with the Development, Networks, and Short Programmes teams to identify potential university and scholarship partners.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the University Guidance budget effectively through good planning and resource management.
• Review expenditure and align it with departmental goals.
• Prepare monthly variance reports and review projected and actual costs to keep track of spending.
• Collaborate with the university guidance administrator on monthly credit card reconciliation.

Program Design and Implementation 

• Design and deliver University Guidance classes, workshops, and webinars for students and parents.
• Provide direct counselling and guidance to 25-30 students.
• Review curriculum and instruction against changes in higher education and align with overall student well-being to mitigate stress and anxiety.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Success on developing individualised student roadmaps.
• Collaborate with the Director of Teaching and Learning to develop teacher recommendation letter workshops and align on academic trends.

Staff Development       

• Provide managerial leadership, coaching, and guidance to a team of three counsellors and one office administrator.
• Supervise the maintenance of departmental platforms such as MaiaLearning, PowerSchool, and Canvas.
• Organise and implement team retreats, which include reviewing outcomes, and strategy, and developing or enhancing current offerings.
• Collaborate with Institutional Learning on developing and collecting responses for the University Guidance survey, as well as leading discussions on findings and defining and addressing responses to students.

Communication

• Develop a strategic communications outreach plan to universities to share updates and highlight students at ALA, including achievements of alumni at universities.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of University Guidance on the development and distribution of a monthly parent newsletter.
• Ensure timely and informative updates to the Year 1 and Year 2 cohorts regarding opportunities, processes, deadlines, and other necessary information pertaining to the university guidance programme at ALA.
• Engage existing university and scholarship partners on a regular basis to keep abreast of changes in processes and policies.
• Respond to university requests in a timely and professional manner regarding student documents and outcomes.

Person Specification:

Essential        

Behaviours  

• Ability to work collaboratively within the department and across divisions.
• Receptive to feedback and the desire to learn.
• Respect for the views of parents and a commitment to the importance of the involvement of parents in the learning process.
• Uphold the values and ethos of the school by actively promoting an emotionally secure, warm, stimulating, and safe environment appropriate to the needs of the individual pupils and their families.
• Professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children.
• Ability to act as an effective and compelling ambassador for the school.
• Respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, sexual orientation and ethnicity.
• A positive, resilient, and solution-focused attitude to working life.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Skills and Knowledge

• An excellent understanding of international university application processes in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
• Experience working with students from low-income backgrounds and a thorough understanding of financial aid applications and policies.
• An established network of colleagues and/or affiliations with NACAC/International ACAC or similar professional organisations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with stakeholders at various levels.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work within budgetary guidelines and able to forecast.
• Ability to analyse data and make data-informed decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by an internationally recognised higher education institution.
• A minimum of seven years of experience working in the university guidance counselling or admissions field.
• A minimum of two years of managerial/leadership experience.

Desirable

• Willingness to contribute to thought leadership regarding university admissions. Commercial acumen.
• Understanding of Cambridge International A-Level curriculum. Knowledge of the rapidly changing sector internationally.
• Ten years of experience working in the university guidance counselling or admissions field.
• Experience working with students from Africa.