Chief Academic Officer

Location: Remote; USA

Our Mission

At Woolf University, we are building a category-defining institution that increases access to world-class higher education while ensuring global recognition and transferability of academic credentials. Our model allows qualified education organizations to launch accredited degree programs that adhere to international academic standards. Woolf is the first global collegiate university, modeled after institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, with member colleges sponsored by some of the fastest-growing research groups and EdTech companies in the world—UpGrad, Scaler, GoIT, EduBridge, AlmaBetter, and more.

About the Role

This is a high-energy, high-agency role. It is client- and regulator- facing. We will value candidates that are operationally excellent, maintaining both high velocity and a high degree of organization, with attention to detail. You will oversee multiple complex workstreams and be supported by a teams of highly competent accreditation specialists.

As Chief Academic Officer (CAO), you will be the senior academic leader responsible for ensuring the academic integrity, accreditation, and regulatory compliance of Woolf University and its member colleges. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will drive the strategic vision for Woolf’s academic operations, ensure compliance with global accreditation bodies, and oversee academic program quality across our collegiate structure.

You will lead Woolf’s Accreditation and Academic Affairs teams to uphold rigorous academic standards while fostering innovation in higher education. This role requires exceptional leadership in accreditation and regulatory affairs, as well as the ability to collaborate with faculty, university partners, regulatory agencies, and legal teams across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate is an academically grounded, operationally strong leader with a deep understanding of accreditation frameworks, academic governance, and higher education regulations across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Strategy

• 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.

Accreditation & Compliance

• 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.

Academic Operations & Faculty Engagement

• 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.

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.
• Experience working in a high-growth, global, or startup education environment is a plus.
• 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.

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

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

Compensation: The base salary for this role ranges from $150,000–$200,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Additional equity and benefits are included.

Why Join Woolf?

Woolf University is redefining higher education by bridging the gap between Corporate training, EdTech, and accredited degree programs. As Chief Academic Officer, you will play a foundational role in shaping the future of accredited, globally recognized degrees, working with some of the most innovative education providers in the world.

If you are a visionary academic leader with deep expertise in accreditation, compliance, and academic operations, and you want to drive innovation in higher education, we’d love to hear from you!