Chief Academic Officer

Summary

Join Woolf University as their Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and become a senior academic leader responsible for ensuring the academic integrity, accreditation, and regulatory compliance of the university and its member colleges. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive the strategic vision for academic operations, ensure compliance with global accreditation bodies, and oversee academic program quality. You will lead the Accreditation and Academic Affairs teams, upholding rigorous academic standards while fostering innovation. This role demands exceptional leadership in accreditation and regulatory affairs, along with collaboration with faculty, partners, agencies, and legal teams across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate is an academically grounded, operationally strong leader with deep understanding of accreditation frameworks, academic governance, and higher education regulations. This is a high-energy, high-agency role, client- and regulator-facing, requiring operational excellence and attention to detail.

Requirements

• Doctorate (PhD, EdD, JD) strongly preferred; an MBA with extensive accreditation leadership experience will also be considered
• 10+ years of leadership experience in higher education with expertise in academic affairs, accreditation, compliance, and regulatory governance
• Proven track record of leading successful accreditation processes (e.g., EHEA, WASC, BPPE, HLC, SACS, or equivalent)
• Deep knowledge of academic governance structures, degree recognition policies, and global accreditation standards
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with an ability to balance high-level strategy and hands-on execution
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to interface with executives, faculty, regulators, and legal teams
• High EQ and leadership skills, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and academic excellence

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of Woolf’s academic framework, ensuring the quality, integrity, and accreditation of degree programs across all member colleges
• Lead the development and execution of academic policies, procedures, and governance structures that align with international accreditation standards
• Guide Woolf’s global recognition efforts, working to ensure Woolf degrees meet compliance standards across jurisdictions (such as EHEA, WASC, BPPE, HLC, SACS, etc.)
• Advise the CEO and executive team on academic trends, regulatory changes, and risks that impact Woolf’s mission and global positioning
• Oversee accreditation processes and regulatory filings to maintain Woolf’s institutional accreditation and ensure continued compliance with international accrediting bodies
• Lead liaison efforts with regulators, accrediting agencies, and legal teams across multiple regions to secure program approvals and maintain recognition
• Develop audit and compliance frameworks to proactively address risk and meet accreditation and quality assurance requirements
• Serve as a key advisor to Woolf’s member colleges, helping them navigate accreditation processes, policy implementation, and academic governance
• Direct program assessment, curriculum review, and learning outcomes evaluation to maintain high academic standards
• Establish and oversee academic committees, faculty policies, and institutional governance structures that support Woolf’s long-term mission
• Build and lead a high-performing academic operations team, including accreditation experts, academic compliance officers, and faculty governance leaders
• Stay at the forefront of emerging trends in online education, EdTech, and accreditation innovations, integrating best practices into Woolf’s academic model

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading accreditation processes for a globally distributed university or EdTech institution
• Familiarity with education regulations in the EU, UK, US, and other key jurisdictions
• Prior experience working with university governance bodies, faculty hiring, and curriculum oversight
• Passion for technology-driven innovations in higher education and Woolf’s mission
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply accreditation and compliance requirements in complex academic environments

Benefits

• Flexible, fully remote work environment
• Competitive salary & equity in a mission-driven, high-growth company
• Flexible PTO and working hours
• New-hire stipend for home office setup
• US-based employees: Health insurance, 401(k) with company match