African Leadership Academy (ALA) exists to build a powerful network of young, ethical, entrepreneurial and visionary leaders who will transform Africa. For nearly two decades, ALA has identified and nurtured exceptional young people from across the continent, admitting fewer than one in twenty applicants to a rigorously selective residential Academy and equipping them with the skills, networks and values to drive meaningful change in their communities, countries and beyond.
Since its founding, ALA has educated over 1,800 young leaders from 47 African countries, more than 95% of whom receive financial aid. Its alumni have gone on to enrol at over 340 universities in 59 countries, secure more than $270 million in university scholarships, and launch over 850 ventures that have created more than 1,600 jobs across the continent. This impact is underpinned by a strong and growing financial foundation, including an endowment already growing past $55 million, and is extended through a growing portfolio of leadership programs and an ever-expanding global alumni network — together establishing ALA as one of the continent's most distinctive, complex and influential leadership institutions.
A Pivotal Moment
As the world's need for principled and transformative leadership becomes ever more urgent, ALA stands at an inflection point. It has proven its model at scale, built a robust financial base, and cultivated a global community of partners, donors and alumni ready to be mobilized further. The organization is now ready to consolidate this foundation into an ambitious, more sustainable and more influential next chapter — and is seeking a Chief Executive with the vision and operational rigor to lead that transition.
The Mandate
This is an opportunity to build boldly from a position of strength. The incoming Chief Executive will be expected to lead ALA through the completion of its current strategic cycle while shaping and delivering an ambitious next strategy for the institution. They will be responsible for strengthening ALA's long-term financial sustainability, including the continued growth of the endowment and diversification of revenue, and for building, empowering and retaining an exceptional senior leadership team and organizational culture. They will also be expected to deepen and expand ALA's philanthropic and partnership base, both across Africa and globally, and to position ALA as the global benchmark for African leadership education, extending its influence through its growing family of programs and its alumni network.
The Role
The successful candidate will provide leadership across the full breadth and complexity of ALA's operations — spanning education and academic strategy, leadership and other programs, people and culture, finance and financial stewardship, philanthropy and fundraising, strategic partnerships, governance, and external advocacy on the continent and globally. This breadth demands a leader equally comfortable setting institutional strategy, engaging major donors and partners, and ensuring the organizational and financial discipline required to sustain an institution of this scale and ambition.
The Candidate
We seek a leader with demonstrated senior executive experience in large, complex organizations — whether in education, business, philanthropy or the public sector — who brings a strong track record of financial stewardship and organizational sustainability, together with experience cultivating philanthropic support and strategic partnerships at scale. They will have a proven ability to build, lead and empower high-performing teams and shape institutional culture, and will bring the strategic judgement and operational depth required to lead a mission-driven institution of significant scale and complexity. Above all, they will bring a deep, authentic commitment to young people and an unwavering belief in Africa's potential, sharing ALA's conviction that the future of the continent — and the world — depends on developing a new generation of leaders equipped to transform it.
How to Apply (8436)
The deadline for applications is 09:00 BST on Monday 31st August 2026.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email George Hourmouzios on George.Hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com.
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