Director of University Guidance

7 months ago


Johannesburg, South Africa African Leadership Academy Full time

**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



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