ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we are more than 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.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Student Life team shapes students' lived experience beyond the classroom. We design the systems, programs, and support structures that ensure students feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their journey at ALU. From residential life and community culture to scholar support and wellbeing coordination, our work sits at the heart of campus life. We are a highly collaborative, student-centred team that balances empathy with structure. Our work requires a strong partnership across operations, wellness, academics, and external stakeholders. We care deeply about building inclusive communities, developing student leaders, and creating environments where students can thrive socially, personally, and academically.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Student Life Senior Associate plays a key operational and relational leadership role in delivering a safe, engaging, and well-coordinated campus life experience. This role is responsible for translating Student Life strategy into daily practice across residential experience, community engagement, and scholar financial aid support. As the primary operational lead supporting these areas, the Senior Associate designs and improves processes, manages student interns who support frontline operations, and ensures that systems, communications, and services are consistent, student-centred, and policy-aligned. The role works across teams to strengthen campus culture, uphold student wellbeing, and ensure smooth service delivery throughout the student journey. In emergencies and sensitive situations, the Senior Associate serves as a secondary responder, supporting crisis coordination and safeguarding processes under the guidance of the Student Life Manager.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Residential Experience & Campus Living Operations

Lead day-to-day residential life operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and community-oriented living environment
Coordinate student arrivals, transitions, and residential logistics for both local and international students
Design and implement residential programming that fosters belonging, leadership, and healthy community culture
Support crisis response in residences as a secondary responder, ensuring proper escalation, documentation, and follow-through
Work closely with security, wellness, and operations teams to uphold student safety and well-being
Draft, update, and implement residential life policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures
Manage relationships with key residential vendors (e.g. catering, transport, medical) and ensure service quality and accountability
Oversee residential life budgets and support financial tracking and documentation

2. Student Leadership & Community Engagement

Design and support training and development programs for student leaders (e.g. Residential Advisors, peer leaders, community coordinators)
Create leadership structures and engagement opportunities that strengthen student ownership of campus life
Partner with student governance bodies to ensure strong collaboration between student leaders and staff
Support major campus moments such as orientation, community celebrations, and institutional events
Lead feedback collection and community listening processes to continuously improve student experience initiatives

3. Financial Aid & Scholar Support

Serve as a key point of contact for scholarship students, providing ongoing communication and guidance