Job Details

Academic Director

Position Number: 7209217
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Position Type: Academic Vice Presidents and Provosts

Academic Director
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Palo Alto, California (on-site) Start: July/August 2026

Wade Institute of Technology (WIT), an experiential Silicon Valley-based college on a mission to advance the education of talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We aim to generate, share, and apply knowledge to address critical challenges facing communities in the U.S. and across the globe. We are committed to providing an education that combines rigorous academic study with the xcitement of discovery and real-world impact.

Position Overview

The Academic Director will lead the academic development and accreditation of a newly established private STEM graduate college located in Silicon Valley. Entering its third year of operation, the college is designed around project-based, industry-integrated graduate education aligned with the innovation ecosystem of California's technology and research economy.

The Academic Director will play a pivotal role in achieving regional accreditation, recruiting and managing faculty and students, building rigorous academic programs, and establishing the institutional credibility required to compete in one of the world's most dynamic higher education and technology markets.

Primary Responsibilities

Accreditation and Regulatory Leadership (California-Focused)

* Lead the college through regional accreditation (e.g., WSCUC) and ensure compliance with California and federal higher education regulations.
* Oversee institutional self-studies, assessment systems, learning outcomes, and continuous improvement processes.
* Establish academic governance structures, faculty policies, and documentation aligned with accreditor expectations for new institutions.

Academic Programs and Project-Based Learning

* Design and oversee project-based, experiential graduate STEM programs aligned with Silicon Valley industry needs (e.g., AI, data science, engineering, climate tech, project management).
* Embed real-world, team-based projects and challenges, and applied research in the curriculum.
* Ensure programs meet both academic rigor and workforce relevance expectations.

Faculty Recruitment and Academic Culture

* Recruit and appoint faculty with academic credentials and Silicon Valley industry experience.
* Build a faculty culture emphasizing innovation, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellence in project-based instruction.
* Develop faculty evaluation, promotion, and professional development systems.

Student Recruitment and Success

* Partner with admissions, marketing, and industry partners to recruit high-quality students.
* Define admissions criteria, enrollment growth targets, and retention strategies.
* Ensure strong student advising, academic support, and career outcomes in industry.

Industry Partnerships and Innovation Ecosystem

* Build strategic partnerships with Silicon Valley technology companies, startups, accelerators, and research labs.
* Expand opportunities for internships, capstone projects, sponsored research, and adjunct faculty engagement from industry.
* Support applied research, commercialization, and entrepreneurial initiatives involving faculty and students.

Scholarship Program

* Manage the Wade Scholarship Program.

Required Qualifications

* Qualifications appropriate for appointment as a senior faculty member. STEM Doctorate ideally.
* Demonstrated experience with regional accreditation or compliance in U.S. higher education.
* Proven leadership in academic administration, program development, or institution-building.
* Experience designing or leading project-based, applied, or industry-aligned graduate education.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in California private higher education or start-up institutions.
* Background in Silicon Valley industry, applied research, or entrepreneurship.
* Proven success recruiting faculty and graduate students in competitive markets.

Core Competencies

* Understanding of accreditation and compliance.
* Ability to recruit and inspire faculty and students.
* Strong industry engagement and partnership-building skills.
* Operate effectively alongside a highly creative, entrepreneurial, and sometimes unconventional leader. Can you bring structure, execution, and sound judgement without stifling innovation?

Compensation - $100K to $190K

Application Materials – email to ljones@wit.university

* Cover letter addressing experience with accreditation and institution-building
* Curriculum vitae
* Statement of vision for a Silicon Valley–based, project-driven STEM graduate college.