Senior Officer: Community, Entrepreneurship And Alumni Coordination (3-Year Renewable Contract)[...]

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a Senior Officer for Community, Entrepreneurship, and Alumni Coordination. The role involves coordinating activities in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and alumni support within the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and at least three years of relevant work experience. The position offers a 3-year renewable contract based in Pretoria.

Qualifications

• At least three years of relevant work experience in working with students at a tertiary institution.
• Experience as a tutor, mentor, or student counsellor.
• Project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement activities related to entrepreneurship and community engagement.
• Support Scholars with internship placements and readiness.
• Track and evaluate internship progress.

Skills

Strong entrepreneurship and project management skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Education

Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship

Job description

Overview

UP Professional and Support — Department for Education Innovation, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Post title: Senior Officer: Community, Entrepreneurship and Alumni Coordination (3-year renewable contract). Peromnes Post Level: 09.

The University of Pretoria invites applications for this vacancy. The incumbent will coordinate and implement activities related to entrepreneurship, internships, community engagement, leadership development, and alumni support within the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP).

Responsibilities

• Internship placements
  • Build and maintain networks with partners to facilitate internship placements across Africa;
  • Collaborate with the Career Services Division at UP and the African Careers Network (ACN) to prepare Scholars for the workplace;
  • Track and evaluate internship progress and support debriefing sessions;
  • Organise career readiness sessions and career days focused on employability and the future of work.
• Community Engagement
  • Promote Scholar-led community outreach and give-back initiatives aligned with Program values;
  • Support Scholars in conceptualising and implementing impactful community projects;
  • Develop and maintain partnerships to facilitate community engagement opportunities;
  • Assist with communication and reporting of community activities.
• Alumni Tracking and Support
  • Track and support Alumni through surveys and engagement initiatives;
  • Facilitate collaboration and mentorship between current Scholars and Alumni;
  • Coordinate entrepreneurial and professional development opportunities for Alumni.
• Leadership Training and Governance Support
  • Organise leadership development workshops and Scholars’ Council activities;
  • Act as liaison between Scholars and the Program Team;
  • Support Scholars’ governance representatives with the implementation of planned activities.
• Entrepreneurship Coordination
  • Coordinate the MCFSP entrepreneurship programme for Scholars and Alumni;
  • Facilitate training, business plan development, and pitch sessions;
  • Liaise with stakeholders and finance to manage entrepreneurship fund disbursements;
  • Showcase success stories and promote entrepreneurial leadership among Scholars;
  • Assist participants with the implementation of the 6-month plan to ensure appropriate use of funds.
• Reporting and Administration
  • Prepare monthly and biannual progress reports;
  • Manage logistical and financial processes related to engagement and entrepreneurship activities;
  • Participate actively in MCFSP team meetings and events.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship;
• At least three years of relevant work experience in:
• Working with students at a tertiary institution;
• Experience as a tutor, mentor, or student counsellor;
• Project management.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Knowledge of the university environment and student success initiatives;
• Strong entrepreneurship and project management skills;
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (including Excel) and report writing;
• A responsible, goal-oriented and positive attitude with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders;
• Leadership and interpersonal skills;
• Self-control and drive;
• Meticulous and responsible attitude.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• At least two years of experience managing an externally funded project; and
• A valid driver’s licence.

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

Closing Date: 30 November 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries: Ms Fikile Mabaso ([e-mail]) for application-related enquiries, and Dr Grace Ramafi ([e-mail]) for enquiries relating to the post content.

If you do not hear from the University of Pretoria by 28 February 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.