Job Purpose:
At the African Leadership Academy (ALA) our vision is to develop the next generation of African Leaders. As the Chief of Staff at African Leadership Academy, you will be expected to promote the Vision, Mission, Values and Aims of the school to support students to become leaders.
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.
The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Dean of ALA will serve as a key advisor and strategic partner, ensuring the efficient execution of the Dean's vision and priorities. The CoS will act as a trusted thought partner, managing day-to-day operations, facilitating internal and external communications, and driving key initiatives across the Academy. This position is critical in enhancing the Dean's capacity to focus on long-term strategic goals by overseeing cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and project execution.
The CoS will work with the Dean daily to support the academy’s strategic and operational initiatives. The CoS will also work closely with other members of the Dean’s Office to support the delivery of strategic objectives and monitor financial delivery.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Strategic Objectives
- Work closely with the Dean to define and implement strategic goals and initiatives.
- Monitor the progress of key projects and ensure alignment with the Academy’s mission, vision, and values.
- Conduct research and provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
- Lead high-impact projects and initiatives, providing strategic oversight and management.
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement:
- Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across the Dean’s office and the broader Academy.
- Develop, implement, and streamline processes to improve workflow and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Manage the Dean's calendar, meetings, and priorities, ensuring optimal use of time and resources.
- Oversee preparation of key documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Lead Stakeholder Management and Communication:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications to and from the Dean’s office.
- Liaise with the senior leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and external partners on behalf of the Dean.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication between divisions to ensure alignment on Academy-wide initiatives.
- Draft and review correspondence, speeches, and public statements for the Dean
Team Leadership and Support:
- Supervise and mentor administrative staff within the Dean’s office, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Provide guidance and support to project teams within the 2YDP working on strategic initiatives.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Work with the Dean and the Academy’s finance team to develop and manage budgets related to the Dean’s office.
- Monitor expenditures across the two-year diploma programme and ensure compliance with the Academy’s financial protocols.
- Ensure efficient use of resources in alignment with the Academy’s financial goals and policies.
Special Projects and Initiatives:
- Lead and oversee special projects as assigned by the Dean, ensuring timely execution and delivery.
- Act as a representative of the Dean’s office at meetings and events, as needed.
ALA Values
- Lead by example in embodying the Academy's values.
- Engage with the campus community through academics, student organizations, clubs and business ventures
Person Specification:
Essential
Behaviours
- 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.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
- A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and cultural sensitivity.
- Respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
- A positive, resilient, and solution-focused attitude to working life.
- A flexible approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.
- Commitment to the mission and vision of the African Leadership Academy.
- Commitment to contributing to the wider life of the ALA community.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across teams.
- Proficiency in MS Tools: Excel and PowerPoint, as well as workflow and performance management tools, such as Trello, Planner, etc.
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in Education, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Desirable
- Proficiency in Teamflect
- Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting.
- Advanced degree in Education, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
