Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About The Leadership Network (TLN)

The Leadership Network is a pan-African community of doers, builders, and visionaries. Born out of the alumni movement of Lead For Africa, it is more than a network: it is a lifelong platform for those who lead with purpose and act with courage. United by values, driven by impact, and powered by collaboration, we are shaping the future of leadership across the continent.

As the alumni arm of Lead For Africa, The Leadership Network brings together a growing collective of changemakers who have completed Lead For Africa country programs. Our mission is to cultivate a strong, diverse, and values-driven leadership pipeline that transforms communities, institutions, and systems across Africa.

Position Summary

The Leadership Network seeks a dynamic, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will be responsible for building and executing TLN’s long-term vision, strengthening alumni engagement, and ensuring that members of the Network excel in their leadership journeys. The CEO will serve as the face of TLN, cultivate strategic partnerships across public, private, and civic sectors, mobilize resources to fuel our work, and empower alumni to lead Africa’s transformation.

Responsibilities

Vision & Strategy

• Work with the advisory board and alumni council of TLN to set, refine, and execute TLN’s strategic direction.
• Drive alignment of TLN’s goals with Africa’s development agenda and Lead For Africa’s theory of change.
• Enable alumni to be positioned across key sectors to influence policy, practice, and innovation.
  

Alumni Engagement & Leadership Development

• Design structure of programs, forums, and initiatives that strengthen the leadership pipeline.
• Foster a culture of lifelong community, collaboration, and accountability among alumni.
• Support alumni in their professional transitions, capacity building and placement into leadership roles.

External Relations & Partnerships

• Serve as the chief ambassador of TLN with governments, private sector, civil society, and global partners.
• Develop and steward high-impact partnerships that expand opportunities for alumni.
• Represent TLN in national, pan-African, and international forums.
  

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Lead resource mobilization efforts to ensure financial sustainability of TLN.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, corporates, and foundations.
• Ensure responsible financial management and accountability.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek a leader who is deeply committed to Africa’s development and TLN’s mission of building a pipeline of system-transforming leaders.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Must be an active member of The Leadership Network.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success in strategy development, fundraising, and organizational leadership.
• Experience building partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society.
• Strong financial acumen and proven record of resource mobilization.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire, influence, and mobilize diverse stakeholders.
• Deep passion for leadership development, equity, and systems change.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of leadership and development across Africa.
• A collaborative and mission-driven community of changemakers.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

Note

• Evening and occasional weekend work required.
• This job description is a guide and may evolve with organizational needs.