IT Academy Manager at Vennote Technologies Limited

Job Summary

• The Academy Manager is responsible for setting the strategic direction, operational management, and academic excellence of the Academy.
• This role oversees curriculum development, program delivery, talent acquisition (instructors and facilitators), and student engagement ensuring high-quality learning experiences that meet both industry and learner needs.
• The manager will work closely with internal departments, industry experts, and external partners to drive innovation and expand the Academy’s impact.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Academy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, including new courses, certifications, partnerships, and market segments.
• Lead innovation in program development based on industry trends and future workforce demands.
• Conduct in-depth market research to monitor IT job market trends, in-demand skills, and emerging technologies.
• Ensure the curriculum remains current, relevant, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
• Design, develop, and launch new training programs, certifications, and courses driven by market insights.
• Represent the Academy at executive meetings, industry conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Curriculum & Program Management:

• Oversee the design, development, and delivery of academic and professional training programs.
• Ensure curriculum is industry-relevant, inclusive, and updated regularly.
• Evaluate and adopt appropriate learning methodologies (e.g., hybrid, online, bootcamps).
• Develop pathways to certification or job readiness, especially in technical fields (e.g., ICT, DevOps, cybersecurity, data).

Team & Faculty Management:

• Recruit, onboard, and manage instructors, facilitators, and support staff.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations to the academic team.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Student Experience & Outcomes:

• Ensure a high-quality learner experience, from enrolment to graduation.
• Implement support systems such as mentoring, career counselling, and soft skills training.
• Track and report student engagement, course completion rates, and post-training success (e.g., job placement or certification).

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, infrastructure, and administrative operations of the Academy.
• Ensure compliance with relevant educational standards, quality assurance, and data protection regulations.
• Monitor KPIs and generate regular performance reports.

Industry Engagement & Partnerships:

• Build and maintain partnerships with corporate organizations, certification bodies, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Secure guest speakers, internships, industry projects, and placement opportunities for students.
• Drive revenue generation through sponsorships, grants, and B2B training offerings.

Marketing & Brand Management:

• Builds and promotes a strong brand identity for the academy.
• Leads marketing and public relations efforts to attract students and corporate partners.
• Collaborates with business development to drive student enrolment through:
• Online marketing and social media campaigns
• Open houses and workshops
• Other lead generation strategies.

Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Business, Human Capital Development, ICT, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Relevant certifications in instructional design, program management, or technical fields are a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 - 10 years’ experience in learning & development, education management, or academy leadership roles.
• Experience developing technical, digital, or vocational training programs.
• Proven track record of managing teams, budgets, and academic operations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and execution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of learning methodologies, instructional design, and curriculum development.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and public speaking skills.
• Tech-savvy with familiarity in LMS platforms, e-learning tools, and data analytics.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong organizational skills.