Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

Job Summary

The incumbent, based in East Africa, will be responsible for implementing the global alumni affairs strategy by leading efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The role, reporting to the central Alumni Affairs Office in Pakistan, will lead coordination with AKU entities across East Africa, deliver alumni engagement initiatives, strengthen chapter development, and support alumni‑driven activities to keep the region’s alumni connected to AKU. The role requires a dynamic, culturally aware, and relationship‑focused professional.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the key liaison for East Africa by building strong alumni relationships across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and cultivating volunteers and champions to strengthen regional engagement.
• Plan and deliver a high‑quality annual calendar of alumni events—both in‑person and virtual—by coordinating logistics, developing engaging programming, and collaborating closely with alumni chapters.
• Develop and support alumni chapters in key cities by guiding chapter leaders, coordinating activities, and ensuring alignment with the university’s alumni engagement strategy.
• Identify and cultivate regional fundraising opportunities by engaging potential alumni donors.
• Support philanthropic initiatives and digital campaigns, to secure contributions for class funds and major gifts.
• Building partnerships with local organizations that advance alumni and university priorities.
• Liaise with Advancement Services to keep alumni records current and support periodic engagement surveys.
• Monitor participation and feedback from regional programs and provide quarterly reports that inform the global alumni strategy.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, International Relations, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in alumni relations, community engagement, program management, or stakeholder relations.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or international development sectors is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of the East African context, with strong networks in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating with global teams.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, event platforms, and digital communication tool.

• Serve as the key liaison for East Africa by building strong alumni relationships across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and cultivating volunteers and champions to strengthen regional engagement.
• Plan and deliver a high‑quality annual calendar of alumni events—both in‑person and virtual—by coordinating logistics, developing engaging programming, and collaborating closely with alumni chapters.
• Develop and support alumni chapters in key cities by guiding chapter leaders, coordinating activities, and ensuring alignment with the university’s alumni engagement strategy.
• Identify and cultivate regional fundraising opportunities by engaging potential alumni donors.
• Support philanthropic initiatives and digital campaigns, to secure contributions for class funds and major gifts.
• Building partnerships with local organizations that advance alumni and university priorities.
• Liaise with Advancement Services to keep alumni records current and support periodic engagement surveys.
• Monitor participation and feedback from regional programs and provide quarterly reports that inform the global alumni strategy.

• Proficiency in CRM systems, event platforms, and digital communication tool.

• Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, International Relations, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or international development sectors is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of the East African context, with strong networks in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating with global teams.