The Academy Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction, operational management, and academic excellence of the Academy. This role oversees curriculum development, program delivery, talent acquisition (instructors and facilitators), and student engagement ensuring high-quality learning experiences that meet both industry and learner needs. The director will work closely with internal departments, industry experts, and external partners to drive innovation and expand the Academy's impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Academy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
Identify and pursue growth opportunities, including new courses, certifications, partnerships, and market segments.
Lead innovation in program development based on industry trends and future workforce demands.
Conduct in-depth market research to monitor IT job market trends, in-demand skills, and emerging technologies.
Ensure the curriculum remains current, relevant, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
Design, develop, and launch new training programs, certifications, and courses driven by market insights.
Represent the Academy at executive meetings, industry conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
Curriculum & Program Management
Oversee the design, development, and delivery of academic and professional training programs.
Ensure curriculum is industry-relevant, inclusive, and updated regularly.
Evaluate and adopt appropriate learning methodologies (e.g., hybrid, online, bootcamps).
Develop pathways to certification or job readiness, especially in technical fields (e.g., ICT, DevOps, cybersecurity, data).
Team & Faculty Management
Recruit, onboard, and manage instructors, facilitators, and support staff.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations to the academic team.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Student Experience & Outcomes
Ensure a high-quality learner experience, from enrolment to graduation.
Implement support systems such as mentoring, career counselling, and soft skills training.
Track and report student engagement, course completion rates, and post-training success (e.g., job placement or certification).
Operational Oversight
Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, infrastructure, and administrative operations of the Academy.
Ensure compliance with relevant educational standards, quality assurance, and data protection regulations.
Monitor KPIs and generate regular performance reports.
Industry Engagement & Partnerships
Build and maintain partnerships with corporate organizations, certification bodies, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Secure guest speakers, internships, industry projects, and placement opportunities for students.
Drive revenue generation through sponsorships, grants, and B2B training offerings.
Marketing & Brand Management
Builds and promotes a strong brand identity for the academy.
Leads marketing and public relations efforts to attract students and corporate partners.
Collaborates with business development to drive student enrolment through:
Online marketing and social media campaigns
Open houses and workshops
Other lead generation strategies
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's degree in education, Business, Human Capital Development, ICT, or related field (master's preferred).
Relevant certifications in instructional design, program management, or technical fields are a plus.
Experience
Minimum of 7 - 10 years' experience in learning & development, education management, or academy leadership roles.
Experience developing technical, digital, or vocational training programs.
Proven track record of managing teams, budgets, and academic operations.
Skills & Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong leadership and execution skills.
In-depth knowledge of learning methodologies, instructional design, and curriculum development.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and public speaking skills.
Tech-savvy with familiarity in LMS platforms, e-learning tools, and data analytics.
Entrepreneurial mindset and strong organizational skills.