Student Success Lead

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 ROLE

The Academic Student Success Lead is responsible for implementing a high-quality student experience and student outcomes in all student success functions for ALU-Rwanda. This role is focused on competencies that are integral to student success in the ALU-Rwanda programs, which include language skills (writing and speaking), technical skills, research skills, and the like.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning and Vision:

• Implement a comprehensive student success plan that involves setting goals, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and outlining strategies to improve student retention, graduation rates, and overall well-being.
• Align student success initiatives with the institution's mission and strategic plan to ensure that efforts are focused on achieving the overall goals of ALU-Rwanda.
• Research and stay informed about best practices in student success.

1. Data Analysis and Assessment:

• Collect and analyse data on student demographics, academic performance, progression classification, and engagement to identify trends, patterns, and barriers to student success.
• Regularly review the Student Success Dashboard in Salesforce to ensure data remain accurate and up to date for stakeholder decision-making.
• Use data and evidence to inform decision-making and programme development, ensuring interventions and support services are targeted, timely, and effective.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of student success initiatives (i.e. workshops, office hours, …)  to inform continuous improvement.

1. Collaboration and Communication:

• Build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students to foster a collaborative environment where everyone is working together to support student success.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders by sharing data, highlighting successes, and advocating for resources to support student success initiatives.
• Ensure effective implementation of these systems across the ALU campus while contributing to a continuous cycle of feedback and improvement.
• Promote a culture of student success across the institution by encouraging faculty and staff to prioritise student success in their work.

1. Program Implementation and Delivery:

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of the English Immersion and English Enhancement Programmes, from applicant engagement and onboarding to delivery, graduation, programme reporting, and alumni engagement. 
• Implement student success programmes and services that respond to identified student needs, including academic advising, tutoring, technical and financial literacy, and written and spoken language development.
• Partner with the Technology and Registrar’s teams to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of early alert systems, enabling timely identification of at-risk students, clear communication of their risk, and connection to appropriate interventions and support.
• Continuously improve early alert processes to ensure at-risk students are identified and supported in a timely manner.

1. Supervision and Leadership:

• Provide leadership to the Student Success Team and guidance to faculty and staff who work directly with students.
• Provide leadership and strategic guidance in the field of student success.
• Stay current with emerging practices, research, and professional development opportunities in student success.

1. Institutional Service

• As with all staff, the Student Success Lead will be expected to participate in institutional service, such as serving on committees, participating periodically in outreach activities, engaging in professional development and company retreats, and the like.

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.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum

• A Master’s degree, preferably in fields related to education and learning support or English and communication
• A minimum of 2 years' experience working with students in a university setting, preferably in a teaching, tutoring, or mentoring role
• A minimum of 1 year managing others
• Ability to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity and the confidence to adopt an experimental and iterative approach, finding new and creative ways of addressing student support needs
• Project management skills, particularly strong work planning, prioritisation, and stakeholder engagement and management
• Excellent written and verbal communication and research skills
• Based in Rwanda or willing to relocate

Preferred

• Experience with standardised frameworks for language proficiency.
• 3 or more years of experience leading student success initiatives
• Tech savviness: ability to quickly learn to use new technologies, software and tools.
• Experience working at a higher education institution in Africa.