Development Operations and Engagement Associate
Job Description
African Leadership Academy (ALA) seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting the next generation of ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders. Since 2008, ALA has built a pan-African community of young leaders who are driving impact across sectors and geographies.
Through a world-class residential secondary school in South Africa and a lifelong leadership development model, ALA equips high-potential youth with the skills, networks, and opportunities to accelerate Africa's growth and prosperity.
POSITION OVERVIEWThe Development Operations & Engagement Analyst supports the effectiveness of ALA's Development team by ensuring high-quality fundraising data, strong donor stewardship, and meaningful donor-student engagement. The role bridges data, communications, and relationship support to help the team operate efficiently and make informed decisions, while offering a strong learning pathway into fundraising and relationship management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Data, Systems & Pipeline Support- Maintain accurate and up-to-date fundraising data across Salesforce and related systems; support pipeline tracking, reporting, and basic analysis to enable effective fundraising decision making.
- Support the preparation and coordination of donor facing materials, including thank you letters, student profiles, reports, and stewardship communications, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with ALA's brand.
- Coordinate donor-student engagement activities, including virtual meetings, campus visits, and events; support Student Ambassadors and ensure clear follow up and documentation after engagements.
- Work collaboratively with Development, Finance, Alumni Relations, and Program teams to support fundraising processes, donor engagement, and continuous improvement of Development operations.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage data accurately and consistently.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work professionally with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Strong alignment with ALA's mission and values; ALA alumni are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Exposure to fundraising, nonprofit operations, alumni relations, or customer/relationship support roles.
- Experience working with databases, CRMs, or structured data systems (Salesforce experience is an advantage).
- Experience supporting events, programs, or engagement activities.
- Familiarity with ALA and its community.
- Data management and basic analysis, including comfort working with spreadsheets and CRM systems.
- Ability to track tasks, maintain accurate records, and follow established processes.
- Strong written communication skills for donor facing and internal materials.
- Basic reporting skills, with the ability to summarise information clearly and accurately.
- Willingness and ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
- Takes initiative and ownership, with a strong sense of accountability.
- Works collaboratively and respectfully across teams and cultures.
- Communicates clearly and thoughtfully with diverse stakeholders.
- Shows a strong learning mindset and openness to feedback.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast paced, mission driven environment.
- Ability to work effectively across time zones and continents in a global organisation.
- Mission driven and aligned with African Leadership Academy's values.
- Curious, reliable, and eager to learn, with a strong sense of accountability.
- Detail oriented, with the ability to balance precision and perspective.
- Comfortable working with both data and people.
Vice President of Development
Job Location:ALA Campus, Honeydew, Johannesburg
Start date:01 March 2026