Head of Academics and Learning Engineering

About this role

Outsmart is a mission-driven, early-stage startup reimagining higher education for the age of AI by creating an entirely new collegiate experience that expands access and opportunity. Backed by $38M from top venture firms including Khosla Ventures, Forerunner, DST Global Partners, and Lightspeed, the company is led by former Duolingo executives and a founding team that also includes Emmy Award winners. With a strong culture centered around high-impact, detail-oriented team members, Outsmart is already seeing significant traction, generating 1–5 million weekly organic views on social media. About the role The Head of Academics & Learning Engineering will lead the design and development of Outsmart’s undergraduate courses and programs, ensuring they are world-class and designed for the AI era, working closely with our Provost. This role will report to the CEO, oversee our team of faculty and learning engineers, including instructors and learning designers, and will work to translate the institution’s educational vision into world-class curriculum, assessments, and learning experiences. We’re looking for someone who combines the intellectual depth of a scholar with the energy and creativity of an entrepreneur — someone who deeply understands pedagogy, learning science, and assessment, but is equally fluent in technology and AI. You’ll help define Outsmart’s learning philosophy and lead the creation of the content, curriculum, assessments, and systems that power our programs. This role is based in Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, or Lehi, UT. Qualities We're Seeking - Deep academic expertise in pedagogy and learning design - Vision for how undergraduate learning should evolve in the AI era — combining rigor, efficacy, accessibility, and fun - Demonstrated experience in the development and/or validation of standardized assessments - Comfort operating at the intersection of education, technology, and entrepreneurship - Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams of faculty and designers - High-energy, accountable, resourceful, and mission-driven — thrives in an early-stage environment What you'll do - Define and lead Outsmart’s academic philosophy and pedagogical approach - Oversee undergraduate curriculum and assessment development across disciplines — ensuring rigor, alignment, and measurable learning outcomes - Lead the Learning Team, including faculty and instructional designers, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement - Work closely with our Provost to ensure accreditation and regulatory compliance and to develop and implement academic quality systems for curriculum review, learning outcomes tracking, and assessment validation - Collaborate with product and engineering teams to design AI-enhanced, technology-enabled learning experiences - Drive innovation in pedagogy, experimenting with adaptive and AI-supported instructional models Qualifications - Advanced degree, preferably in Education, Learning Science, Instructional Design, Math, or related field - 10+ years of experience in curriculum or academic leadership, ideally in higher education or edtech - Demonstrated success managing interdisciplinary academic teams - Proven record of designing programs that combine technology, pedagogy, and measurable learning outcomes - Familiarity with accreditation and regulatory processes - Strong understanding of AI and learning technologies Perks - Competitive salary, equity, and benefits - Healthcare for you and your dependents (medical, dental, and vision) - Parental leave for any full-time employee (birthing, non-birthing, and adoptive parents) - 15 PTO days per year, a winter break, and 12+ paid company holidays per year - Remote work days - Lunch provided in-office daily - Working with super talented people who want to make a difference in the world Outsmart is committed to building an equitable and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.