Fellowship & Operations Director

ABOUT: Princeton in Africa (PiAf) is an independent non-profit organization based in Princeton, NJ that develops young leaders of tomorrow as they contribute to some of the most impactful organizations in Africa today. Over the last 27 years, this program has placed nearly 800 Fellows with more than 140 organizations in 37 African countries where our Fellows, through their work, have made contributions to Africa’s institutions in Business and Economic Development, Education & Youth Capacity Building, Public & Community Health, and so much more. 

Find out more about us at https://www.princetoninafrica.org/.

JOB SUMMARY: This is a key role on PiAf’s program team, working closely with the Deputy Director to support the delivery of our year-long fellowship program. The program places approximately 50 recent graduates and young professionals each year with organizations across roughly 18 African countries in fields including public health, agriculture, impact investing, education, marketing, conservation, and humanitarian aid.

The role supports the full fellowship lifecycle, including Fellow recruitment, application review, matching and placement, pre-departure preparation, and ongoing support throughout the fellowship year. It also provides operational support to Fellows and the team, collaborates with partners across the African continent, and contributes to the engagement of PiAf’s alumni network of nearly 800 former Fellows.

TEAM: Reports to the Deputy Director and the Executive Director. This role will manage the Program Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but not limited to):

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• Coordinate the recruitment of 700 applicants, including hosting webinars, responding to applicant questions, and working with alumni to host information sessions. Organize recruitment efforts on Princeton University’s campus (and any others) including information sessions, webinars, class presentations, recruiting emails and office hours. 
• Lead the application, interview and placement process for all applicants. 
• Support Fellows throughout their placements, including advising, check-ins, and responding to issues—looping in Deputy Director and Executive Director as needed.
• Organize details, logistics and facilitate sessions for annual 4-day Fellows’ Orientation held virtually. 
• Organize details & logistics of the annual Fellows’ Retreat held on the African continent, including managing the budget, bookings, and coordinating Fellows’ travel and reimbursements. Work with Alumni Coordinators to organize and facilitate sessions focused on professional development, global citizenship and leadership. 
• Travel to Africa as needed to conduct site visits with current and potential host organizations, Fellows, and partners, and to manage the Fellows’ mid-year Retreat (Estimated 1-2 months of travel per year).
• Provide ongoing support to Fellows and fellowship organizations, including conducting regular check-ins with Fellows. Lead complex or high-priority Fellow matters—such as visa challenges, health concerns, or interpersonal issues—in close collaboration with the Deputy Director.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to ensure that the health, safety and security of all Fellows is being adequately monitored and addressed. 
• Manage a network of nearly 800 alumni. Work with the alumni community to design and implement alumni programming, including an alumni mentoring program and regional social events. Liaise with the Alumni Board. Maintain alumni evaluation tools and manage data collection for the directory and alumni events.
• Develop and sustain relationships with various international programs and academic departments. 
• Manage matters related to PiAf’s medical insurance provider and emergency assistance provider.
• Assist the Deputy Director with all program-related activities, events, communications and record-keeping. 
• Coordinate with interns and volunteers on program-related tasks.
• Serve as primary lead managing GPS (Graduate Professional Systems) / Terra Dotta which is PiAf’s application and tracking platform, in partnership with Princeton University staff. Document GPS processes and ensure data collection tools, reports and data are kept updated.

OPERATIONS

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on operational planning, internal communications, and organizational systems.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training for seasonal staff, interns, and volunteer reviewer and interviewers, ensuring updated job descriptions and HR compliance.
• Maintain accurate staff timesheets and support timely, consistent expense reporting for the Accountant.
• Manage the host organization program cost invoice payment process.
• Process fellowship stipends and reimbursements.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

• Maintain office hours as agreed upon.
• Assist with answering phones and other office administrative support, as requested.
• Assist with mass mailings, communications, logistics for annual gala, and other development support, as requested.
• Other duties as needed.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Clear understanding of and passion for PiAf’s mission. Commitment to or long-term interest in Africa. 
• Ability to act as a mentor to Fellows and to foster young leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree, with preference for focus on international development or education, international or African studies, nonprofit management, or similar field related to PiAf’s work.
• At least 5 years of work experience with international fellowship, volunteer, or education program, or comparable experience working with organizations similar to PiAf’s host organizations.
• Strong preference for candidates with prior experience living, traveling independently or studying abroad in Africa. Will also consider those with experience traveling, living or working in a lower or middle-income country. 
• Proactive self-starter who takes ownership and drives work from idea through execution.
• Patience, creativity, and adaptability.
• Experience facilitating group sessions and managing event logistics and budgets.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, adjust to sudden shifts in priorities, and maintain a good sense of humor. 
• Willing and available to work occasional nights and weekends throughout the year.
• Experience working with alumni associations is a plus.
• Excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail.
• Strong English writing skills.
• Strong listening and conflict-management skills. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Google suite, and generally technologically savvy. Experience with Customer Relationship Management systems (CRMs) such as Terra Dotta and Eleo a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Full-time employment with preferred start date of November 2, 2026.
• Compensation ranges between $65,000-$70,000 based on experience.
• Twenty days of vacation leave per year plus holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance offered.
• 401K retirement plan provided.
• The position is located in Princeton, NJ with hybrid working arrangement.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but we encourage early applications. 
• To apply, submit your resume and cover letter through our online application form.  Any inquiries about the role can be directed to jobs@princetoninafrica.org.