About the Role
Rising Academics is dedicated to building world-class schools and powerful learning tools for communities that need them most. We are seeking a visionary Chief Academics and Innovation Officer (CAIO) to join our senior leadership team and architect our expanding portfolio of educational offerings. In this pivotal role, you will drive evidence-based product R&D, ensure scalable impact, and empower teachers and government partners with cutting-edge, digitally-enabled tools to transform education across Africa.
Key Responsibilities- Own and shape Rising's educational partnerships into a coherent portfolio with rigorous quality standards and clear guidance for contextual adaptation.
- Drive evidence-based product R&D by prioritizing impact, scalability, and affordability while deciding what scales, iterates, or stops.
- Evaluate and integrate AI and emerging technologies to enhance learning quality and strengthen human capability.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing, integrated team spanning academics, data science, digital technology, and impact measurement.
- Establish robust research collaborations and position Rising as a thought leader in government-led educational reform.
- Over 10 years of senior leadership experience in education, edtech, or product management, preferably within Africa.
- Proven track record of designing, scaling, and evaluating programs that measurably improve learning outcomes.
- Strong expertise in learning science, data-informed decision-making, and the ethical integration of AI in education.
- Direct experience collaborating with government systems and international funders.
- Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to align multi-disciplinary teams toward a unified vision.
- Competitive, transparent salary benchmarked against top social ventures and nonprofits.
- Comprehensive benefits package designed to support holistic well-being and professional growth.
- Opportunities for continuous development within a Certified B Corp committed to high-impact education.