Chief of Staff - Diploma Program at African Leadership Academy

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.