Vice President For Academic Affairs

Job Title: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Work Location: Remote

Division/Department: Academic Function

Reports To: President

About KDC

Kush Digital College (KDC) is a forward-thinking, global education institution committed to providing flexible, accessible, and high-quality learning experiences to students worldwide. As a leader in online and distance education, KDC leverages innovative teaching methodologies, cutting-edge technology, and student-centered practices to meet the diverse needs of modern learners. With a mission to empower individuals through transformative education, KDC emphasizes academic excellence, lifelong learning, and the development of skills that align with current and future job-market demands. Rooted in inclusivity and innovation, KDC is dedicated to making education a powerful tool for personal and professional growth across the globe.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as a senior leader responsible for the academic vision, integrity, and strategic direction of KDC’s programs. Reporting directly to the President, the VPAA leads efforts to deliver innovative, high-quality, and student-centered educational experiences that align with the institution’s mission of providing flexible, accessible, and impactful education. This individual oversees all aspects of teaching, curriculum, faculty management, academic policy, and compliance, ensuring that KDC meets the highest standards of academic excellence and accreditation.

The VPAA will work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to foster innovation, ensure operational efficiency, and drive measurable outcomes for student success.

Key Responsibilities

1.      Strategic Academic Leadership

1. Develop and lead the implementation of the short and long-terms academic strategy aligned with KDC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals to ensure excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
2. Lead the academic division in establishing and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) for institutional and programmatic success.
3. Serve as the primary advocate for academic quality, representing the institution to regulatory bodies, accrediting organizations, and external academic partners.

2.      Curriculum and Program Development and Review

1. Lead and oversee an evidence-based, market-responsive curriculum development and reviews that aligns with emerging trends and job-market demands.
2. Regularly assess academic programs for relevance, quality, and impact, using data-driven methods to initiate continuous improvement cycles.
3. Foster interdisciplinary and innovative program offerings to attract diverse learner demographics and promote lifelong learning.

3.      Faculty Recruitment and Development

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive faculty recruitment plan to attract top-tier academic talent.
2. Oversee faculty onboarding, mentorship, and professional development programs, ensuring alignment with institutional values and academic excellence.
3. Promote faculty research, innovation, and collaboration to enhance instructional quality and scholarly output.

4.      Quality Assurance and Accreditation

1. Contribute to the accreditation processes for new and existing programs, ensuring compliance with international and regional accreditation standards.
2. Contribute to establishing robust quality assurance frameworks to monitor, evaluate, and enhance teaching effectiveness, program quality, and learning outcomes.

5.      Student-Centered Academic Strategies

1. Implement strategies to enhance student retention, engagement, and success, leveraging data analytics and student feedback.
2. Oversee academic advising, mentoring, and tutoring initiatives to support diverse learner needs, including non-traditional and online students.
3. Contribute to creation of pathways for academic recognition, such as honors programs, internships, and career development opportunities.

6.      Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Collaborate with other senior leaders, including the Vice President of Student Affairs and Support, to integrate academic programs with student services and technological resources.
2. Partner with the Chief Technology Officer to identify and adopt cutting-edge educational technologies and platforms to support online learning.
3. Coordinate with the marketing and students’ recruitment teams to align academic program messaging with institutional branding and enrollment goals.

7.      Budget and Resource Management

1. Develop, manage, and optimize the academic budget to align with institutional priorities, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
2. Support in identifying funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support academic innovation and faculty initiatives.
3. Monitor and adjust resource needs based on programs expansion, faculty development, and emerging academic priorities.

8.      Policy Development and Compliance

1. Lead the drafting, implementation, and periodically reviews of academic policies to ensure alignment with institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
2. Lead the establishment and management of frameworks for governance and decision-making within the academic division, promoting transparency and accountability.
3. Ensure institutional compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in all academic operations.

9.      Innovation in Teaching and Learning

1. Drive the adoption of innovative pedagogies, digital tools, and adaptive learning technologies to enhance the online learning experience.
2. Pilot and scale experimental learning models, such as competency-based education, micro-credentials, and modular learning pathways.
3. Foster an institutional culture of creativity and continuous improvement to meet the dynamic needs of a global student population.

10.  Stakeholder Engagement

1. Build and sustain partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and educational organizations to enhance academic relevance and reputation.
2. Represent KDC at academic conferences, symposia, and public events, promoting the institution’s academic achievements and vision.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Doctoral degree in Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 7+ years of academic leadership experience, preferably in an online or distance-learning institution.
• Proven track record of curriculum development, faculty management, and academic program oversight.
• Deep knowledge of accreditation processes, academic quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in higher education.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively across departments, and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience working with online education platforms and technologies.
• Familiarity with the educational landscape in Sudan or the broader MENA region.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in innovative teaching methodologies and digital learning environments.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by online learners and the ability to develop strategies to address these challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and inspire teams in a remote work environment.

Working Conditions

• Fully remote position with the ability to collaborate with a diverse, international team.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate time zones and institutional needs. Official Working Hours are based on Cairo, Egypt time.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via email to [amjad.idries@kushdigital.college] with the subject line: Application for Vice President of Academic Affairs.

A complete application should include:

1. Cover Letter:

• A detailed statement outlining your qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.
• Salary expectations must be included in the cover letter.

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV):

• A comprehensive resume detailing your professional and academic background.

1. References:

• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications will be accepted until [31 December 2024]. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview.

We look forward to receiving your application