Job
description
Kepler is looking for a
global academic leader to lead our effort to reinvent higher education. This is
an opportunity to be the academic lead of the initiative that aims to make
great higher education affordable and accessible across Africa and beyond.
The Chief Academic
Officer (CAO) will lead the design and implementation of Kepler’s learning
experience a
nd will be focused on a single overarching question: if we
reinvented higher education for the 21st century, what would it look like? If
we shifted our focus from lectures, credits, and expensive facilities to what
really drives learning and personal growth, what could we build? We have
pioneered a model that in just its first two years is already significantly
outperforming existing universities in Rwanda. We need a bold thinker to push
our model to the next level and make it scalable across the African continent
and beyond.
Imagine a world in
which every young person in Africa can attend a university that builds leaders
who are set up for 21st century career success. Imagine a university that
leverages technology and the latest in learning science to enable high
potential students across Africa—no matter their family background—to earn a
quality, U.S. accredited degree. All without leaving their home countries. This
is what Kepler has created in Rwanda. We want you to help make it happen
everywhere.
ABOUT KEPLER
In 2013, we launched
a new venture to build the first pan-African network of high-quality,
affordable university programs, enabling even students from the most
disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed. Nearly 300 students are now enrolled in
Kepler.
Africa has the
fastest-growing youth population in the world, but its education systems are
not ready to unleash what could be the transformative generation of talent that
permanently changes the face of the continent. Studies show that more earning
potential is unlocked with each year of higher education than any other period
of study. We aspire to help unleash a generation of African students who otherwise
would lack the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Now that two years
have passed since Kepler began creating an entirely new kind of university
program, blending digital resources with in-person seminars, we have reached
some very positive milestones:
Kepler’s
educational model is working.
98% or Kepler’s inaugural class earned their Associate of Arts degrees in under
two years, and our students are significantly outperforming their peers at
local Rwandan universities across the board, as measured by our independent
research firm.
Kepler
students are getting jobs.
81% of the students seeking employment from that same class have already
received full time job offers, despite not having yet completed their B.A.
degrees. Kepler students stand out in the Rwandan job market.
Nearly all
of our employees are local hires.
We invest in the professional development of our outstanding staff and it shows
in learning and employment outcomes for our students.
We are building a
results-focused, student centered work culture that values excellence and
energy. We are looking for the very best to join our team.
REQUIREMENTS
The CAO reports
directly to the CEO and is the key individual responsible for developing and
ensuring the successful implementation of the academic vision for Kepler. The
ideal candidate combines both strategic thinking and strong execution skills
across various forms of education styles. You will build the team as it grows
to keep pace with the expansion of our network into new markets. The role is
based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Key responsibilities
for the role include:
- Articulate
a vision for the future of our learning model - Hire
and coach an outstanding team of academic team leaders, course
facilitators, and curriculum developers drawing on both local and
international talent - Oversee
the development of curricula for all academic subjects, incorporating the
best of digital resources and in-person seminars - Oversee
the professional development of all academic staff - Develop
and implement educational activities both strategic and operational,
including metrics to track and evaluate progress - Grow
Kepler’s relationship with the Ministry of Education in Rwanda and future
locations - Lead
Kepler’s academic research agenda, overseeing external and internal
academic monitoring and evaluation - Lead
development of the future of the Kepler academic approach
ABOUT YOU
- You
have 8+ years of experience in a rigorous, high-expectations academic
setting including at least one supervisory, curriculum development or
instructional leadership role - You
embrace the latest in learning science and are excited to push the
envelope with blended learning, incorporating both digital resources and
in-person instruction - You
have a track record of improving other people’s performance through
coaching - You
have an exceptional ability to think strategically and yet you sweat the
small stuff—people see you as conscientious and strong with follow up - You are
driven by data and know how to use data from student assessments to strengthen
and differentiate student learning - You
crave feedback to improve your performance and have an infectious growth
mindset that rubs off on others around you. - You
have a strong orientation toward results and customer focus - You
consistently exhibit the highest levels of integrity - You
have a passion to further develop your skills and apply them to transform
the lives of African youth
How
to apply
Please apply here.
Applications will be
reviewed on an ongoing basis until the right candidate is identified. Only
qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. Kepler is an equal
opportunity employer.
