About ETS:
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide. Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide. The Opportunity Khan TED Institute (KTI) is a bold new model for higher education—designed for a rapidly changing world and built to expand access to world-class learning globally. This groundbreaking initiative brings together three extraordinary mission-driven non-profits: Khan Academy
- providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere TED
- connecting the world to transformative ideas and thought leaders ETS
- advancing the science of measurement and AI-powered assessment Together, we are creating a new kind of institution—one that prioritizes mastery over seat time, skills over credentials, and impact over tradition and is deeply connected to the real world of work.
KTI offers a radically accessible degree (under $10,000), built on: Competency-based learning Embedded Applied AI across the curriculum Real-world skill development (collaboration, communication, critical thinking) Deep employer integration and global relevance This is not an evolution of higher education—it is a reinvention. The Role We are seeking a visionary and execution-driven Chief Academic Officer / Provost to bring this model to life. This is a unique leadership role—equal parts academic architect and startup builder. You will design, launch, accredit, and scale a truly differentiated global institution. You will work collaboratively with the three founding members and serve as the academic and learning strategy leader for KTI. What You Will Do Build a New Academic Model Design an engaging, AI-powered, competency-based learning experience with exceptional student retention and outcomes Create a model that is: Loved by students (high engagement, high completion rates) Radically affordable (low marginal cost, scalable globally) Outcome-driven (strong employer trust and graduate success) Lead Academic Strategy & Program Development Architect and launch high-quality, differentiated degree programs (Bachelor's and Master's) Define product strategy across curriculum, learning design, and delivery Embed Applied AI, durable skills, and real-world learning into every program Partner with employers to ensure alignment with future-of-work needs Achieve and Sustain Accreditation Lead accreditation strategy, documentation, and institutional readiness Build systems, standards, and governance to support academic quality and compliance Establish credibility and reputation in a competitive higher education landscape Build and Lead Academic Operations Recruit, hire, and develop a global network of adjunct faculty and facilitators Design scalable faculty models focused on coaching, assessment, and learner support Implement systems for real-time assessment, mastery tracking, and student progression Drive Student Success at Scale Own academic outcomes, retention, completion, and learner experience Build systems that enable accelerated pathways through demonstrated mastery Ensure programs deliver measurable ROI for learners and employers What Success Looks Like Year 1
Priorities:
Evaluate accreditation options and begin the accreditation process Launch a world-class learning experience Build early reputation with students and employers Establish academic credibility and quality framework Years 2-3: Scale enrollment globally Deliver consistently high completion and employment outcomes Build KTI into a category-defining institution Who You Are You are a rare blend of academic leader, entrepreneur, and operator—someone who thrives in ambiguity and is driven to reinvent systems at scale. Required Experience Proven track record building or leading an accredited online higher education institution Experience operating at scale (5,000-10,000+ learners) Direct involvement in accreditation processes Deep understanding of learning in both academic and corporate contexts Earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) Critical Capabilities Builder + scaler mindset (˜60% builder/operator, 40% academic leader) Demonstrated success in startup or high-growth environments Strong AI fluency and comfort navigating emerging, ambiguous landscapes Experience designing or integrating AI into learning experiences (preferred) Ability to move with urgency in response to the pace of AI-driven change Leadership Profile Innovative, future-forward thinker willing to challenge traditional education models Global mindset with experience serving diverse, international learners
Mission-driven:
passionate about making education accessible, affordable, and effective Operates with speed, clarity, and resilience in high-impact environments without a roadmap. Why This Role Matters This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to: Redefine what a degree means in an AI-driven world Deliver elite-quality education at global scale and radically lower cost Build an institution from the ground up: designed for the future, not constrained by the past Impact the lives of millions of learners globally At KTI, we believe talent is everywhere—opportunity is not. This role exists to change that. Ready to Build the Future of Higher Education? Join us in creating a new global standard for learning—one that is: accessible, affordable, effective, and built for the future of work. Khan TED Institute (https://khanted.org/Home) ETS is mission driven and action oriented We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning. We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. Â In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth! As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. Â At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you! The base salary range advertised represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base pay is only one aspect of the Total Rewards Package that will be offered to the successful candidate. ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
