Job Description
ABOUT ALU
At the African Leadership University (ALU), we’re more than just an institution—we’re a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa’s future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we’re not just teaching; we’re nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa’s progress and prosperity in the 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.
HOW WE WORK
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 International Student Admissions team is ALU’s primary engine for recruiting fee-paying students from across the African continent, with a particular focus on international schools, elite private school networks, and the families who invest in world-class education for their children. We are a regionally connected, culturally fluent, and commercially sharp team that combines deep local market knowledge with a continent-wide perspective. We build relationships that last — with school counselors, administrators, and families — and hold ourselves to ambitious enrollment targets, because every fee-paying student we bring to ALU strengthens ALU’s ability to deliver on its mission at scale.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The International Admissions Manager – East Africa leads ALU’s fee-paying student recruitment strategy across the East African region, with primary responsibility for international schools and private school networks in key markets including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and neighbouring countries. Reporting to the Admissions Director, this is a mid-to-senior level role focused on building relationships with international and private school communities — including students, parents, and school counselors — to drive a strong pipeline of tuition-paying students. The Manager also provides guidance and coordination support to associate-level colleagues in other regional markets.
- Develop and execute a targeted annual recruitment strategy for East Africa focused on fee-paying students, with particular emphasis on international schools, private schools, and premium school networks across the region.
- Own and manage the full admissions pipeline for East African fee-paying applicants — from initial outreach and lead generation through application, interview, offer, and enrollment confirmation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with international school counselors, heads of sixth form, private school administrators, and parent communities across East Africa.
- Plan, coordinate, and attend targeted recruitment events including international school fairs, private school visits, parent information evenings, and virtual engagement sessions.
- Develop a deep understanding of the international school landscape in East Africa — including IB, A-Level, AP, and IGCSE school networks — to ensure ALU is well-positioned as a destination for their graduating students.
- Use CRM systems to manage applicant records, track pipeline health, monitor conversion rates, and produce regular reporting for the Admissions Director.
- Contribute to the development of regionally tailored recruitment materials, digital content, and outreach messaging targeted at international school students and their families.
- Coordinate with the Enrollment Manager to ensure smooth handoffs from offer acceptance through to confirmed enrollment, including immigration and travel support for incoming students.
- Provide regional market intelligence and trend analysis — including international school enrolment trends, competitor university positioning, and family decision-making dynamics — to inform strategic planning.
- Mentor and support junior team members and associates, sharing best practices and contributing to team capability development.
- Represent ALU at international school fairs, university counselor conferences, and regional education sector events.
Qualifications & Experience
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience (typically 5+ years) in student recruitment, university admissions, or education-sector business development, with a focus on international or private school markets in East Africa.
- Demonstrated track record of recruiting fee-paying students and meeting enrollment targets.
- Strong existing networks with international school counselors, private school administrators, or parent communities across East Africa.
- Familiarity with international curricula (IB, A-Level, IGCSE, AP) and how students from these systems approach university selection.
- Experience using CRM systems for pipeline management and recruitment reporting.
- Willingness to travel extensively within East Africa and occasionally beyond the region.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Functional Skills
- Fee-paying student recruitment strategy — understanding of how international school families evaluate and select universities.
- School counselor and administrator relationship management.
- Pipeline management and CRM proficiency.
- Data analysis — ability to interpret regional trends and translate them into actionable recruitment plans.
- International school fair and recruitment event planning across multiple in-country locations.
Soft Skills & Mindset
- Polished and credible — confident engaging with international school leadership, counselors, and discerning families.
- Entrepreneurial and self-directed — able to build and grow a premium recruitment market with limited precedent.
- Collaborative and team-oriented — comfortable mentoring junior colleagues and working cross-functionally.
- Mission-driven — believes in ALU’s vision and can articulate its value proposition compellingly to families making significant financial investments in their child’s education.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
