Student Life Manager

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

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.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University 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 TEAM 

The Student Life team is at the heart of our university's vibrant community. We are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters students’ interests within and beyond their mission, an authentic pan-African network, individual student growth, well-being, and opportunities for fun! Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional services and experiences that enrich the lives of our students by leveraging all of Kigali as our campus! We strive to build a strong sense of belonging and empower students to reach their full potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Student Life Manager is pivotal in shaping a transformative, high-quality student experience on campus. With strategic oversight of non-academic activities, this role ensures all student support functions align with academic goals to provide a holistic university experience. By leading the Student Life team, managing key student services, overseeing the smooth running of fun and impactful events as well as overseeing student governance and wellness initiatives, the Student Life Manager is essential to fostering a supportive and engaging campus environment. This role is instrumental in connecting student needs to broader university objectives, ensuring students feel valued and supported while building lifelong skills. The Student Life Manager will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to create a positive and inclusive campus culture.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Lead the strategic planning of all non-academic activities, ensuring alignment with academic objectives and enhancing the overall student experience.
• Provide visionary leadership for the Student Life team, fostering a high-performance culture that prioritises student engagement, wellness, and support.
• Oversee the Student Representative Council and all student representatives, ensuring effective student governance, advocacy, and constructive representation of the student voice.

Community Building and Events

• Design and implement engaging community programs and events that promote a vibrant campus culture and a sense of belonging.
• Collaborate with the Academic Team and other departments to create integrated programs that enrich the educational experience and encourage cross-functional partnerships.

Data, Reporting, and Compliance

• Establish, monitor and report key metrics for non-academic programs, ensuring data-driven decision-making to continually improve the student experience.
• Ensure adherence to university-wide policies and procedures in compliance with the Higher Education Council and other regulatory bodies.

Student Wellness and Financial Support

• Develop and oversee wellness programs that address physical, emotional, and mental well-being, collaborating with internal and external partners as needed.
• Manage student financial aid support processes, providing guidance on available resources and ensuring equitable access to financial support services.

Student Conduct and Integrity

• Oversee the Disciplinary Committee and Integrity Board, ensuring processes uphold community standards and maintain a positive and fair campus environment.
• Act as the primary contact for non-academic student-related issues, offering guidance on matters of student conduct, welfare, and advocacy.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the Academic Team, Operations, Guest Relations, and external community partners, to holistically support student needs.
• Represent the university at official events, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and external partners.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant vendors and service providers. Negotiate and manage vendor contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI). 
• Oversee vendor performance by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and driving continuous improvement.

Team Leadership 

• Manage, organize, and mentor the Student Life professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment and elevating the level of delivery and output of the team.

Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5-7 years in student affairs, student life, or similar role, with experience in project management/planning and team leadership.
• Proven track record of designing impactful student programs, leading teams in high-stakes environments, and establishing strong, supportive student governance structures.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Functional Skills:

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Strategic Planning: Strong capability to plan and align non-academic activities with the university’s academic mission, translating strategy into actionable programs.
• Data Analysis: Skilled in data collection, monitoring, and reporting to measure program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Financial Oversight: Ability to manage allocated funds and student financial aid processes with integrity and equity.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and connect with a diverse student population while representing the university professionally.
• Interpersonal Skills: Empathetic and approachable, with a student-centered approach to building community and resolving conflicts.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively addressing student needs, finding innovative solutions, and managing complex issues effectively.