How to apply for Chief Academics and Innovation Officer
Rising Academies
About Rising Academies
Rising Academies is a mission-driven organization transforming education across West Africa by running affordable schools and providing curriculum and teacher-support technology. Their focus on evidence-based, scalable solutions to improve learning outcomes makes them a unique player in the global education landscape.
About the role
As Chief Academics and Innovation Officer, you will architect Rising's education portfolio, deciding what scales based on evidence and impact. This role is pivotal in driving measurable learning improvements at scale across African public schools, leading an integrated team of academics, digital specialists, and data experts.
A typical day
You'll likely start by reviewing data and impact reports from country teams, then meet with your integrated team to discuss ongoing experiments and product development. Your day might include calls with government partners or external researchers, and you'll spend time analyzing whether current initiatives are meeting learning goals and deciding on next steps.
Who Rising Academies is looking for
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Tips for this application
- Highlight specific examples of leading education reform or product development in African or similar contexts, quantifying impact.
- Demonstrate your ability to evaluate evidence and make strategic decisions about scaling vs. experimental initiatives.
- Show your experience with AI or technology in education, and how you've ensured it enhances human capability.
- Emphasize your collaborative leadership style and experience working with government partners or in public systems.
- Tailor your application to Rising's mission and mention their specific programs or countries to show genuine interest.
What to cover in your cover letter
- Your vision for improving teaching and learning at scale, aligned with Rising's evidence-based approach. - Concrete examples of leading teams and making tough portfolio decisions based on data. - Your experience with AI/EdTech and how you've balanced innovation with quality. - Your commitment to affordable, scalable solutions for African education.
Draft a cover letterResearch before applying
- Explore Rising Academies' website and read about their current programs and impact reports in specific countries (e.g., Sierra Leone, Liberia).
- Look into their curriculum and teacher-support technology to understand their current offerings and gaps.
- Research the education landscape in West Africa, including government policies and challenges in public schools.
- Review any published research or evaluations of Rising's programs to understand their evidence base.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- How would you prioritize between scaling a proven program versus investing in experimental innovations?
- Describe a time you used evidence to make a difficult decision about a product or program.
- How do you ensure that AI solutions genuinely improve learning outcomes rather than just being trendy?
- How would you build a cohesive team from academics, digital specialists, and data experts?
- What is your approach to collaborating with governments in West Africa to drive education reform?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Avoid generic statements about education without referencing specific African contexts or systems.
- Don't overlook the importance of affordability and scalability; ensure you address these in your application.
- Avoid being vague about your experience with AI or technology; provide concrete examples of how you've used them effectively.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.