Financial Aid Manager

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 Financial Aid & Student Finance team sits at the heart of ALU's commitment to access and equity. We are a detail-oriented, empathetic, and compliance-conscious team that works to ensure every student can find a viable path to funding their education. We combine rigorous financial management with genuine student advocacy — ensuring that money is never the reason a talented student walks away from ALU

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Financial Aid Manager oversees ALU's financial aid operations, ensuring that students receive accurate, timely, and equitable support in funding their education. This role is central to student access, affordability, and enrolment success, working closely with Admissions, the Registrar, and Finance to administer scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loan programmes. Reporting to the VP of Enrolment, this role owns the end-to-end aid function.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day administration of all financial aid programmes, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, bursaries, and government-backed loan schemes.
• Develop and maintain financial aid policies and procedures in compliance with institutional, regulatory, and government requirements.
• Oversee the accurate and timely packaging and awarding of financial aid to prospective and current students across all levels of study.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the financial aid team, ensuring high standards of student service and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students and families seeking guidance on financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes.
• Collaborate with Admissions and enrolment teams to use financial aid as a strategic tool for recruitment, yield, and retention.
• Administer the financial aid budget, including monitoring expenditure, forecasting aid liabilities
• Maintain and optimise financial aid systems and CRM/SIS integrations (e.g. Banner, Slate, or equivalent), ensuring data accuracy and process efficiency.
• Produce regular reports and analysis on aid utilisation, student outcomes, and programme effectiveness for senior leadership.
• Develop and deliver financial literacy resources and workshops to support students in understanding funding options and managing their finances.
• Manage the appeals process for students requesting reconsideration of financial aid decisions.
• Stay current with changes in government funding policy, sector regulations, and best practice in student finance, and implement required updates.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Substantial experience (typically 5+ years) in financial aid administration within a higher education setting.
• Strong knowledge of student finance regulations and government funding frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on financial aid budgets.
• Experience with financial aid and student information systems (e.g. Banner, Slate, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Functional Skills

• Financial aid programme administration and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills — ability to forecast aid liabilities and interpret utilisation data.
• Proficiency with SIS and CRM systems for aid processing and reporting.
• Budget management and expenditure monitoring.
• Financial literacy programme design and delivery.

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Outstanding interpersonal skills — able to communicate complex financial information clearly to students, families, and staff.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Empathetic student advocate with a genuine commitment to equity and access.
• Collaborative — works effectively across Admissions, Finance, and Registrar functions.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Finance, or a related field.