VP Engagement

ABOUT ALU At the African Leadership University (ALU), we are not just an academic institution; we are a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of leaders. Our mission is bold: to develop ethical, entrepreneurial changemakers who will shape Africa’s future. Through an innovative curriculum, hands-on learning, and a vibrant pan-African community, we equip our students to tackle complex challenges, connect the dots across diverse perspectives, and create solutions that drive lasting impact. We don’t just teach; we nurture adaptable, globally minded problem-solvers ready to thrive in ambiguity, build from scratch, and lead Africa into a prosperous 21st century.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

ABOUT THE TEAM The Engagement team is the university’s front door to the world, bringing together expertise in fundraising, stewardship, partnerships, alumni and community engagement, marketing and brand, impact storytelling, events, and impactful experiences.

As a unified function, the team builds and nurtures a powerful ecosystem of supporters, collaborators, and advocates across Africa and globally. It connects relationships to purpose; mobilizing resources, amplifying the university’s voice, and creating meaningful experiences that deepen engagement and extend impact.

Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board, the team plays a central role in showcasing our impact & potential of young leaders, while positioning the university as a trusted partner and influential platform for leadership and transformation on the continent.

The African Leadership University team is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment, we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place, which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE ROLE The Vice President of Engagement serves as the university’s primary external ambassador, responsible for building, mobilizing, and stewarding the relationships that enable institutional growth, influence, and long-term impact. This role is part of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for cultivating and stewarding the relationships that power the university’s mission, reputation, and long-term sustainability.

This role leads the design and execution of an integrated engagement strategy that brings together philanthropy, partnerships, marketing, impact, alumni and community engagement, and stakeholder stewardship into a unified function. The Vice President drives the university’s resource mobilization efforts, securing funding and strategic support to advance its mission, while cultivating partnerships that expand its reach, relevance, and contribution across Africa and the world.

Central to the role is the responsibility to build and sustain a powerful, lifelong community of students, alumni, parents, staff, donors, and partners; ensuring that engagement with the university is meaningful, consistent, and anchored in shared purpose.

The role also oversees the university’s marketing, branding, and public relations strategy, ensuring a clear, compelling, and differentiated institutional voice, and leads impact reporting and storytelling to demonstrate the university’s outcomes and influence to stakeholders.

Through strong external representation, relationship leadership, strategic communications, and institutional convening, the Vice President positions the university as a trusted partner, connector, and platform for advancing leadership and impact on the continent.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES Fundraising & Business Development

• Designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising & business development strategy including major gifts, foundations, corporate giving, and development campaigns.

• Building and managing relationship...