Network and Community Lead

About the role

The Network & Community Lead will design and execute Youth+ Africa’s strategy for growing and engaging a vibrant ecosystem of founders, creators, students, mentors and partners across both digital and physical platforms. This role is ideal for someone passionate about community building, entrepreneurship and creating impactful experiences for youth.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive community growth and engagement plan.
• Build and nurture a network of founders, creators, students, mentors, partners and ambassadors.
• Design member journeys that move participants from first contact to active leadership.
• Lead onboarding, retention and activation initiatives for community members.
• Convert event participants into long‑term community members through structured programs.
• Organise workshops, founder circles, networking sessions and mentorship initiatives.
• Manage mentor, facilitator and expert networks across key sectors.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver partner‑backed programs and experiences.
• Monitor performance using data, insights and reporting to improve outcomes.
• Foster an inclusive, safe and trusted community environment.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Community Development, Marketing, Business, Social Sciences, Entrepreneurship or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in community management, ecosystem building, program management or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience building and managing professional or entrepreneurial communities.
• Strong project management, organisational and relationship‑building abilities.
• Experience with startups, innovation ecosystems, youth‑focused organisations, universities or development programmes is a plus.
• Analytical mindset with experience using community data to drive decisions.
• Self‑driven, collaborative and passionate about youth development and entrepreneurship.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape one of Africa’s most impactful entrepreneurial communities.
• Collaboration with founders, investors, mentors, corporate partners and young innovators.
• Chance to create meaningful connections that drive innovation, collaboration and economic opportunity across the continent.