Deputy Hall Head

ABOUT US:

Since 2008, African Leadership Academy (ALA) has sought to identify, develop, and connect the most promising young leaders on the African continent, organising them into a powerful community of ethical and effective collaborative action. At ALA, we cultivate leaders who are deeply Africanist in their outlook, autodidactic in their pursuit of learning, and entrepreneurial in their approach to solving challenges. We empower young people to be critical thinkers who question assumptions and communicators who inspire and influence others with clarity and purpose. More than 17 years into the journey, the organisation has built a powerful track record of impact. Our campus community serves 250+ young leaders from across the continent each year. Our pan-African programs in entrepreneurship and impactful careers serve hundreds more. Through these young leaders, we are already impacting thousands of Africans as we pursue a vision of lasting peace and shared prosperity.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Deputy Hall Head (DHH) assists the Hall Head in maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of students in designated residential halls. Collaborating closely with the Hall Head, RAs, and the wider Pastoral Care Team, the DHH plays a role in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and responsible hall community where students feel empowered to develop personally, socially, and intellectually.

This position serves as a crucial link between students and staff, facilitating the seamless daily operation of residential life.

The Deputy Hall Head holds an essential supportive and operational position, especially in supervising students, facilitating activities, engaging with the community, and executing the residential curriculum.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Well-Being and Safety

• Assist with routine room inspections and contribute to keeping a tidy, orderly, and secure hall atmosphere.
• Immediately inform the Hall Head and facility team about maintenance and safety issues.
• Monitor and identify student health or emotional concerns and support referrals when suitable.
• Adhere to ALA’s housing regulations and help promote safe and responsible conduct among students.

Community Building

• Assist the Hall Head in promoting an inclusive, respectful, and engaging atmosphere for students.
• Help organize and lead weekly hall meetings and community engagement activities.
• Foster student engagement and mutual assistance despite cultural and personality variations.
• Assist in tracking students’ emotional well-being and offer timely support when necessary (e.g., anxiety, longing for home, etc.).

Student Leadership Development and Peer Support

• Act as a guide for Resident Assistants (RAs), assisting in their planning and leadership initiatives.
• Hold frequent meetings with RAs to discuss student issues and assist in addressing roommate or peer disputes.
• Foster self-leadership, responsibility, and positive relationships among peers in the hall.
• Support check-ins and casual conversations to enhance relationships between students and staff.

Program and Operational Support

• Engage in duty rotations during evenings, weekends, and extended weekends.
• Assist with logistics for hall activities, social events, and dorm operations (e.g., dorm cleaning, hall competitions).
• Support fundamental tracking systems for attendance, hygiene assessments, or behavior monitoring as assigned by the Hall Head.
• Assist in managing the residential program by utilizing planning tools and reporting systems.

Student Success and Reporting

• Monitor and assist students’ academic and personal development, raising issues to the Hall Head or Student Success Team when necessary.
• Support the gathering and recording of information associated with student growth and residence participation.
• Work together with Year Heads and the Wellness Team to provide comprehensive assistance for students.
• Attend parent involvement sessions or open days when needed.

Teaching & Extracurricular Involvement (if applicable)

• Certain Deputy Hall Heads might have restricted teaching or co-curricular duties, not surpassing 20% of their overall workload.
• Participate in mentorship programs, student organisations, or other extracurricular activities to enhance connections and a sense of belonging among students.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree (ideally in education, psychology, youth development, or similar discipline).
• Background in engaging with teenagers or young adults, particularly in boarding or residential environments. Preferably not exceeding 3 years.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities and a focus on student-centered approaches.
• Exhibited accountability, proactivity, and awareness of cultural differences.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience in residential living or youth mentoring programs.
• Experience in global education or engaging with varied student groups.
• Knowledge of youth leadership, student development frameworks, or wellness initiatives.

COMPETENCIES:

Technical competencies:

• Proficient in systems such as Microsoft 365 software.
• Safeguarding, child protection, and compliance experience.

Generic Competencies

• A clear understanding of the needs of older teenagers and their developmental stages.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of older teenagers.
• Understanding, attentive listening, and capacity to connect with adolescents.
• Proficient in communication and teamwork.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Adherence to confidentiality and maintenance of professional boundaries.
• Openness to learning and adjusting in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

Attributes

• Uphold the values and ethos of the school by actively promoting an emotionally secure, warm, stimulating, and safe environment appropriate to the needs of the individual pupils and their families.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children.
• Respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
• A positive, resilient, and solution-focused attitude to working life.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.

Additional Information:

• The Deputy Hall Head is required to live on campus and be available in the evenings, on weekends, and overnight while students are attending.
• The position will include supervising students during excursions or outside events.
• The DHH gets consistent feedback and professional growth assistance, including evaluations at mid-year and year-end from both the Hall Head and the Director of Pastoral Care.

Reports to: Hall Head (HH)

Matrixed Oversight: Director of Pastoral Care (DoPC)

Job Location: ALA Campus, Honeydew, Johannesburg

Start date: 01 January 2027