Regional Alumni Affairs Coordinator-East Africa

Nova Pioneer is looking for a superstar Regional Alumni Affairs Coordinator- East Africa on a full-time basis.

At Nova Pioneer, our mission is to develop innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

We believe that fulfilling this mission requires a commitment to our students that extends far beyond graduation.

Our responsibility is not simply to prepare Novaneers for their next step after Grade 12 or Form 4, but to continue investing in who they are becoming as individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders.

The day after graduation should not mark the end of a Novaneer's relationship with Nova Pioneer, but the beginning of a new chapter of lifelong connection, opportunity, and impact.

The Regional Alumni Coordinator – East Africa is a mission-critical role within our Post-School Success department, responsible for building and strengthening a vibrant, connected, and impactful alumni community across the region.

This individual will lead our regional alumni engagement efforts, ensuring that Novaneers maintain a strong sense of pride, belonging, and connection to their former campuses, to one another, and to Nova Pioneer's broader mission.

We want every graduate to feel that being a Novaneer is a lifelong identity and that they remain part of a community that believes in their potential and is invested in their continued success.

This role will focus on five interconnected priorities: building a thriving alumni community; supporting alumni throughout their post-school journeys; expanding access to meaningful opportunities and influential networks; developing alumni as innovators and leaders; and creating pathways for alumni to contribute to Nova Pioneer and the next generation of Novaneers.

Through intentional programming, mentorship, strategic partnerships, alumni chapters, professional networking, and digital engagement, the Regional Alumni Coordinator will help graduates navigate university, employment, entrepreneurship, and other pathways while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

A central part of this work is ensuring that our alumni have access to people, places, experiences, and opportunities that can meaningfully shape their futures.

The Coordinator will actively cultivate relationships with employers, universities, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, mentors, and other partners who can open doors for our graduates.

Working closely with the broader PSS team, the Coordinator will also leverage Nova Pioneer's Quest platform and post-school programming to connect alumni with continued learning, professional development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities.

Equally important, the Regional Alumni Coordinator will ensure that alumni remain active members and contributors to the Nova Pioneer community.

Our graduates should have meaningful opportunities to return to their campuses, mentor current students, share their experiences, support student learning and career exploration, participate in school and regional initiatives, and help shape the future of Nova Pioneer.

We want to build a culture in which Novaneers not only benefit from the alumni network but increasingly create opportunities for one another and for the generations who follow them.

Ultimately, success in this role means building an alumni community where graduates feel deeply connected, actively supported, and empowered to pursue ambitious futures.

Our aspiration is that being a Nova Pioneer alumnus becomes a lifelong source of pride, belonging, connection, and opportunity—and that our growing network of Novaneers becomes a powerful community of innovators and leaders shaping the African Century.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of an innovative network of schools that is developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

ABOUT NOVA PIONEER Imagine a world in which every young person across Africa attends a school that truly sets them up for success in the 21st century.

A school that cares about individual students and allows them to explore the world around them.

A school that focuses more on developing skills than on memorizing content.

At Nova Pioneer, we have done more than just imagine this future, we are bringing it to life.

Nova Pioneer is a pan-African, independent network of schools offering high quality, accessible education from pre-primary through secondary school.

Nova Pioneer uses a unique, inquiry-based learning approach that encourages students to ask “why” instead of telling them the “what”.

It allows them to form their own thinking through exploration, investigation and collaboration.

Nova Pioneer currently has 17 schools in South Africa and Kenya with a vision to launch 100 schools and reach tens of thousands of students across the African continent in the next decade.

To learn more visit www.novapioneer.com.

ABOUT THE ROLE Key responsibilities for the role include: Alumni Community, Identity & Belonging Build a vibrant, connected, and engaged regional alumni community where graduates maintain lifelong pride in being Novaneers and meaningful relationships with Nova Pioneer and one another.

In partnership with the PSS Lead, develop and execute a regional alumni engagement strategy that builds a strong, active, and connected Nova Pioneer alumni community across East Africa.

Foster a lifelong sense of pride, belonging, and connection among Nova Pioneer alumni, ensuring graduates continue to identify strongly as Novaneers and remain connected to Nova Pioneer's mission and culture principles.

Create meaningful opportunities for alumni to build relationships across graduating classes, campuses, universities, professional sectors, and geographical locations.

In partnership with the PSS Lead and the Managing Director, East Africa, plan and execute the annual Nova Pioneer East Africa Alumni Summit, ensuring it creates meaningful opportunities for networking, professional development, leadership growth, and alumni engagement.

Design and coordinate quarterly alumni gatherings, including networking events, social experiences, professional development opportunities, and community-building activities.

Partner with Nova Pioneer schools to establish and strengthen Alumni Chapters, creating structures through which alumni can remain actively connected to their former campuses and organize community initiatives.

Develop and support alumni ambassadors and chapter leaders who can mobilize fellow alumni, strengthen relationships, and contribute to alumni programming.

Establish opportunities for alumni to connect through shared interests, professional fields, university communities, entrepreneurship, and other meaningful networks.

Continuously gather alumni feedback to understand their sense of belonging, engagement, and satisfaction with the alumni community.

Support the development of alumni-led experiences and initiatives that encourage graduates to take increasing ownership of their community.

Intended impact : Alumni feel proud to be Novaneers, remain connected to their campuses and one another, and actively participate in a growing regional community.

Alumni Journey & Post-School Success Ensure that Nova Pioneer's commitment to student success continues beyond graduation by supporting alumni as they navigate their educational, professional, personal, and leadership journeys.

In partnership with PSS Lead, develop a structured approach to maintaining relationships with Novaneers from the point of graduation throughout their post-school journeys.

Partner with school-based PSS teammates to ensure that all graduating students experience a thoughtful transition into the Nova Pioneer alumni community.

Establish a clear alumni onboarding experience that introduces graduates to the alumni network, communication channels, programming, and opportunities available to them.

Maintain regular engagement with alumni to understand their educational and professional pathways, aspirations, achievements, and emerging needs.

Support alumni navigating transitions into university, vocational education, employment, entrepreneurship, and other post-school opportunities.

Identify common challenges alumni experience, including access to educational opportunities, professional networks, career guidance, and mentorship, and work with the PSS team to develop appropriate responses.

Connect alumni with relevant resources, guidance, mentors, and networks that support their continued development.

Facilitate opportunities for alumni to learn from fellow Novaneers who are further along in their academic, professional, or entrepreneurial journeys.

Ensure that alumni pursuing different post-school pathways have equitable opportunities to benefit from the Nova Pioneer alumni community.

Gather alumni feedback and insights to strengthen Nova Pioneer's understanding of how effectively we are preparing students for success beyond school.

Intended impact: Graduates remain supported and connected throughout their post-school journeys, and Nova Pioneer develops a deeper understanding of their long-term success.

Alumni Opportunities, Career Access & Strategic Networks Expand alumni access to meaningful educational, professional, entrepreneurial, and leadership opportunities by building networks that open doors and accelerate their development.

Research, identify, and cultivate relationships with employers, universities, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, professional associations, and other individuals and organizations that can create meaningful opportunities for alumni.

Collaborate with the PSS Lead and relevant regional leaders to develop partnerships that strengthen alumni access to internships, job-shadowing experiences, employment, scholarships, mentorship, fellowships, and other professional opportunities.

Plan and execute Nova Pioneer East Africa's termly alumni internship and job-shadowing programs, ensuring that participating alumni gain meaningful exposure to professional environments and career pathways.

Coordinate the onboarding, preparation, training, and ongoing support of alumni participating in internship and job-shadowing opportunities.

Develop and maintain an Alumni Opportunities Board that provides access to internships, employment vacancies, job-shadowing experiences, fellowships, scholarships, entrepreneurial opportunities, and other relevant experiences.

Organize networking experiences that connect alumni directly with employers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry professionals.

Facilitate mentorship relationships between alumni and professionals who can provide guidance, career exposure, and access to opportunities.

Create opportunities for alumni to build professional networks across industries and geographical locations.

Identify and promote opportunities that strengthen alumni professional capabilities, including career readiness, communication, leadership, networking, and entrepreneurship.

Track alumni participation in opportunities and gather feedback on their quality, relevance, and impact.

Intended impact: Alumni gain meaningful access to opportunities and influential networks that support their academic, professional, and entrepreneurial aspirations.

Alumni Leadership, Innovation & Continued Development Continue developing alumni as innovators and leaders by connecting them with experiences that strengthen their knowledge, character, capabilities, and connections.

Develop and coordinate opportunities that support alumni in continuing to grow as innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders beyond graduation.

Identify and connect alumni to leadership development programs, innovation opportunities, entrepreneurial networks, social impact initiatives, and other experiences that strengthen their ability to lead and create change.

Partner with the PSS team and external organizations to create professional learning experiences, leadership conversations, and development opportunities for alumni.

Support alumni interested in entrepreneurship by connecting them to relevant mentors, business networks, incubators, accelerators, competitions, and other resources.

Create opportunities for alumni to showcase their innovations, businesses, professional achievements, and community impact.

Encourage alumni collaboration on projects, ventures, social impact initiatives, and other efforts that address meaningful challenges in their communities.

Connect alumni with leaders and innovators across Africa who can broaden their perspectives and inspire their continued development.

Develop opportunities for alumni to strengthen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the African Century.

Celebrate alumni who demonstrate Nova Pioneer's mission through leadership, innovation, service, entrepreneurship, and positive community impact.

Intended impact: Alumni continue developing the knowledge, character, capabilities, and connections required to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the African Century.

Alumni Contribution, Service & Legacy Create meaningful opportunities for alumni to remain active contributors to Nova Pioneer, support current students, strengthen their former campuses, and invest in future generations of Novaneers.

Develop and execute a structured alumni engagement approach that creates regular opportunities for graduates to contribute to their former campuses and the broader Nova Pioneer community.

Partner with school leaders and PSS teammates to create opportunities for alumni to return to campus as mentors, guest speakers, career advisers, and contributors to school programming.

Coordinate alumni participation in Innovation & Leadership programming, including opportunities to share entrepreneurial experiences, professional insights, innovation projects, and lessons from their post-school journeys.

Create opportunities for alumni to support current students with university and career exploration, application processes, professional networking, and post-school decision-making.

Develop alumni mentorship initiatives that connect graduates with current students and younger alumni.

Support alumni involvement in school events, university fairs, career days, student leadership activities, and other relevant experiences.

Partner with the Managing Director, East Africa, and the PSS Lead to establish and support a Regional Alumni Advisory Committee that provides alumni perspectives and input into Nova Pioneer East Africa's strategic priorities.

Encourage and coordinate alumni-led service initiatives, mentorship programs, and community projects that strengthen Nova Pioneer and the communities it serves.

Create opportunities for alumni to contribute their professional expertise, networks, and resources to support the development of current students and fellow graduates.

Support alumni giving and fundraising initiatives in partnership with relevant organizational leaders, including opportunities for graduates to contribute time, expertise, mentorship, professional connections, and financial support.

Celebrate alumni contributions to Nova Pioneer and recognize graduates who demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting future generations.

Intended impact: Alumni remain active members of the Nova Pioneer community and increasingly contribute to the development, opportunities, and success of current and future Novaneers.

Quest, Quest Launchpad & Quest Next: EdTech and Lifelong Post-School Success Support the implementation, adoption, engagement, and continued development of Nova Pioneer's EdTech Post-School Success ecosystem, ensuring that graduates have access to meaningful learning, guidance, networks, and opportunities beyond their time at Nova Pioneer.

Nova Pioneer's commitment to developing innovators and leaders extends beyond our physical campuses.

Through Quest, Quest Launchpad, and Quest Next, we are building an innovative EdTech ecosystem that provides young Africans with continued access to learning, guidance, networks, and opportunities throughout their educational and professional journeys.

The Regional Alumni Coordinator will contribute to the success of these initiatives, with particular responsibility for connecting Nova Pioneer alumni to relevant offerings, strengthening engagement, and ensuring that alumni experiences and needs inform the continued improvement of our digital PSS programming.

Quest: Digital Post-School Success Learning Platform Partner with the PSS and Quest teams to support Quest implementation, adoption, and continuous improvement as Nova Pioneer students transition into the alumni community.

Support alumni onboarding and sustained engagement with Quest by guiding access to relevant learning experiences, resources, networks, and opportunities, while gathering feedback on content, functionality, accessibility, and effectiveness to inform improvements.

Support alumni in showcasing their Innovation & Leadership projects, entrepreneurial ventures, and professional achievements through Quest, while strengthening the connection between digital engagement and in-person alumni programming.

Quest Launchpad: Supporting the Transition Beyond Secondary School Support the planning, promotion, recruitment, onboarding, and implementation of Quest Launchpad, Nova Pioneer's bridge-year programme for Form 4 and Grade/Year 12 graduates.

Work with the PSS team to identify graduating Novaneers who could benefit from Launchpad and ensure that students and families understand the opportunities available.

Help connect Launchpad participants with mentors, entrepreneurs, university representatives, industry professionals, and other individuals who can contribute to their development.

Support opportunities for participants to apply their learning through real-world projects, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional experiences.

Maintain relationships with participating Nova Pioneer alumni and gather feedback to strengthen the programme's effectiveness and impact.

Quest Next: Supporting the Transition from College to Career Support the development, promotion, and implementation of Quest Next, with a particular focus on engaging Nova Pioneer alumni as they prepare to transition from higher education into employment, entrepreneurship, and other professional pathways.

Connect eligible alumni with Quest Next learning opportunities, career-development resources, professional networks, mentorship, and employment opportunities.

Collaborate with the PSS and Partnerships teams to identify employers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and other professionals who can contribute to Quest Next programming.

Support alumni participation in professional development experiences, networking opportunities, career preparation, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Gather insights from alumni about their experiences transitioning into the workforce or entrepreneurship to inform the continued development of Quest Next.

EdTech Engagement, Learning & Impact Collaborate with the PSS and Quest teams to strengthen alumni engagement across Quest, Quest Launchpad, and Quest Next.

Support communications and outreach that help alumni understand and access relevant digital PSS offerings.

Track alumni participation, engagement, feedback, and outcomes across the three initiatives.

Identify opportunities for alumni to serve as mentors, guest speakers, professional connections, and contributors to Quest programming.

Share insights on alumni needs and experiences to help ensure that Nova Pioneer's EdTech offerings remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to the evolving journeys of young Africans.

Intended impact: Nova Pioneer alumni continue accessing relevant learning, development, and professional opportunities through our growing EdTech ecosystem, while their experiences help strengthen our ability to support young Africans beyond graduation.

Alumni Data, Communications & Impact Develop the systems, communications, and insights required to maintain meaningful alumni relationships, understand their post-school journeys, and measure the long-term impact of Nova Pioneer's alumni programming.

Alumni Data and Post-School Outcomes Create, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive East Africa Alumni Database that captures alumni contact information, graduating class, school, educational and professional pathways, interests, achievements, and engagement.

Establish consistent processes for updating alumni information and maintaining relationships with graduates across campuses and graduating classes.

Track alumni educational and professional journeys to strengthen Nova Pioneer's understanding of long-term student outcomes.

Monitor alumni engagement across events, communications, mentorship, chapters, and other programming.

Track alumni access to opportunities, including internships, employment, further education, mentorship, and leadership development experiences.

Use alumni feedback and engagement data to identify trends, improve programming, and respond to the evolving needs of the alumni community.

Ensure alumni information is managed responsibly and in accordance with Nova Pioneer's data protection requirements.

Alumni Communications and Storytelling Develop and manage consistent, engaging alumni communications through newsletters, social media, digital communities, website content, and other appropriate channels.

Create communications that help alumni remain informed about Nova Pioneer, celebrate community achievements, and access relevant opportunities.

Develop monthly alumni profiles highlighting graduates' journeys, achievements, contributions, and impact.

Partner with Marketing and Communications to share compelling alumni stories that demonstrate the long-term impact of a Nova Pioneer education.

Ensure alumni communications are designed to encourage participation, strengthen relationships, and build a shared sense of identity and community.

Create opportunities for alumni to share their stories, experiences, and insights with current students, families, teammates, and fellow alumni.

Build a recognizable and compelling regional alumni community identity that strengthens pride in being a Novaneer.

Alumni Impact and Reporting Develop and maintain systems for monitoring alumni engagement, participation, satisfaction, and access to opportunities.

Gather feedback from alumni to assess the relevance and effectiveness of alumni programming.

Track progress toward regional alumni engagement and post-school success goals.

Share regular updates with the PSS Lead and regional leadership on alumni engagement, programming, opportunities, challenges, and outcomes.

Use alumni data and feedback to recommend improvements and strengthen the long-term impact of the alumni community.

Intended impact: Nova Pioneer maintains strong relationships with alumni, understands their journeys, and uses meaningful data to strengthen programming, opportunities, and long-term alumni success.

• ABOUT YOU Skills and Qualifications required: A Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Commerce, Marketing, Business Administration, Human Resources, Education, Communications, or another relevant field.

Nova Pioneer alumni are strongly encouraged to apply and are preferred for this role.

Alumni in their final semester of an academic diploma or degree may be considered, provided they can meet the requirements of a full-time role.

At least one year of experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, community-focused, or innovative organization, or demonstrated experience developing and executing meaningful projects.

This could also include groups at the University. Experience in community engagement, alumni relations, youth development, partnerships, event management, or program coordination is an advantage.

Experience developing relationships with external stakeholders and coordinating opportunities or programs is an advantage.

Community Builder and Relationship Developer: You are energized by bringing people together, building trust, fostering belonging, and creating communities where people feel connected and valued.

Mission-Driven: You believe deeply in Nova Pioneer's mission and are passionate about the long-term development of young Africans as innovators and leaders.

Strong Connector and Network Builder: You are confident initiating relationships, connecting people, and identifying opportunities that can create meaningful value for others.

Entrepreneurial and Solutions-Oriented: You are creative, resourceful, proactive, and excited by the opportunity to build programs and systems that may not yet exist.

Excellent Communicator: You communicate clearly, warmly, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, and can engage effectively with alumni, students, school leaders, employers, and external partners.

Strong Project Manager: You can plan, organize, execute, and evaluate multiple projects while maintaining high standards and attention to detail.

Results-Driven: You take ownership of goals, follow through on commitments, and focus on the meaningful outcomes of your work rather than simply completing activities.

Empathetic and Student-Centered: You understand that alumni will have different aspirations, experiences, challenges, and needs, and you are committed to supporting diverse pathways to success.

Data-Informed: You can organize information, track engagement and outcomes, identify patterns, and use data to continuously strengthen programs.

Self-Driven and Accountable: You manage your time effectively, demonstrate initiative, and can work independently while collaborating closely with others.

Collaborative: You build positive relationships across teams and demonstrate Nova Pioneer's culture principles, including Greater Together, Solutions First, and Always Growing.

Technologically Capable: You are comfortable using digital communications platforms, spreadsheets, databases, and productivity tools to manage relationships and deliver programs Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Willingness to travel between Nova Pioneer campuses and participate in alumni engagements outside regular school hours when required.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.

Commitment to protecting alumni information and maintaining professional boundaries.

Enthusiasm for Nova Pioneer's culture and a willingness to receive feedback, continuously learn, and grow.

• HOW TO APPLY Does working at Nova Pioneer excite you?

If so, then apply now!

To apply, please complete the form on the right-hand side of this page.

We cannot process applications that are emailed to us.

Please note: You are encouraged to attach your resume in PDF format to protect formatting.

All applications will be reviewed and applicants notified of the next steps.

There are a series of stages in the Nova Pioneer interview process and candidates will be moved forward in the process depending on their success in the previous stage.

The process is as follows: Phone interview: a short conversation to understand your skills and experience a little better.

Practical demonstration of what you can do: you will complete a written task or a demonstration related to the role you are applying for.

Teachers participate in a half-day selection day at one of our campuses as well as deliver a lesson to a class.

In-person interviews: at this point you will visit one of our schools to meet the team and participate in a series of in-person interviews.

Final interview: you’ll have a final conversation with the hiring manager before decisions are made.

WORKING AT NOVA PIONEER Nova Pioneer is a place where our people experience tremendous growth, fast!

We invest heavily in the growth of our people because it leads to greater mastery in both us and our students.

• “Novaneers” work harder and work longer hours than most schools but as a result, the growth they experience is extraordinary.

We offer consistent and ongoing personal development and provide clear career pathways that ensure that our people are always achieving their personal and professional best.

Nova Pioneer has a highly energetic, entrepreneurial environment where our people get to bring their creative and innovative ideas to life.

We look for people who are flexible and who are able to adapt and respond quickly to adversity with a positive, can-do attitude (there are no problems, only solutions!).

We welcome challenges and roll with the punches because it makes us, and our students, better.

There is no problem too big for us!

We bring infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything we do because joy fuels our work and learning.

Read more about our culture principles here Nova Pioneer will never request an application fee from candidates.

If you are contacted with a request to pay a fee from someone claiming to be a Nova Pioneer Talent or Recruitment representative, please do not pay them and report it to us immediately on talent.ke@novapioneer.com or talent.sa@novapioneer.com .

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