Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs.

The Impact You Will Make:

As Director, Academic Services, you will play a defining role in shaping the future of online and hybrid higher education at Risepoint. You will influence the academic direction of programs, ensuring rigorous, inclusive, and transformative learning experiences. Your leadership will directly impact student success, enabling access, progression, and completion for diverse learner populations while strengthening the confidence and reputation of our university partners.

You will be a visible champion of innovation, particularly AI-enabled learning and digital pedagogy, driving sector-wide recognition of Risepoint as a thought leader in next-generation higher education. Your work will help embed a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, and curiosity across teams and partner institutions, leaving a lasting legacy on both the learner experience and institutional impact.

What You Will Do:

• Lead academic quality and integrity across all programs, setting rigorous standards and advancing digital and AI-enabled learning practices.
• Shape academic priorities that enhance student access, progression, retention, and completion across diverse cohorts.
• Serve as a trusted partner to universities, advising senior academic leaders and aligning program design with institutional objectives.
• Oversee academic governance and quality frameworks, ensuring scalable, consistent, and trusted program delivery.
• Enable cross-functional alignment across product, student support, marketing, and operations to embed academic perspectives in decision-making.
• Contribute to business development and partner expansion, articulating the value of Academic Services in proposals and partner discussions.
• Mentor and develop senior Academic Services staff, fostering a growth mindset and continuity of expertise within the team.
• Represent Risepoint externally through thought leadership, publications, presentations, and engagement with the broader education sector.
• Lead and champion future-facing learning innovation, ensuring responsible adoption of AI and digital learning pedagogy.

What Success Looks Like:

• University partners consistently report high confidence in program quality and academic outcomes.
• Student outcomes demonstrate strong progression, retention, and completion rates across diverse cohorts.
• Academic Services team exhibits high capability, cohesion, and leadership continuity.
• Risepoint reputation as an innovator in online learning and AI-enabled pedagogy is amplified in the sector.

How Impact Will be Measured:

• Student success metrics, including retention, completion, and satisfaction.
• Partner satisfaction and continued engagement across academic programs.
• Delivery of innovative initiatives that enhance learning outcomes and operational efficiency.
• External recognition through sector engagement, publications, and thought leadership.

Experience That Matters Most:

• Senior academic leadership within Australian or comparable higher education institutions.
• 10+ years’ experience in curriculum strategy, academic innovation, or digital learning at scale.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field required (e.g., Education, Instructional Design, or related discipline).
• Minimum of 5+ years of people leadership experience, including team management, coaching, and performance development.
• Proven track record of engaging and influencing senior academic stakeholders.
• Experience leading academic programs that increase access and equity for diverse learners.

Experience That’s Great to Have:

• Doctoral qualification or equivalent academic standing.
• Experience with AI-enabled learning solutions and digital pedagogy innovation.
• Record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or policy influence.
• Experience contributing to institutional growth, partnerships, or external engagement activities.

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Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce

This role is eligible for comprehensive benefits

Personal and Professional Development:

• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents