Academic Program Manager Smartbridge Educational Services Pvt Ltd

Academic Program Manager – University Partnerships (Riyadh, KSA) Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Employment Type: Consultant (12 Months Contract) Reporting To: Global Head / Director – Academic Alliances About SmartBridge SmartBridge is a leading education and workforce skilling organization founded in 2015, with over 10+ years of experience in industry-integrated learning and talent transformation. We have impacted more than two million learners across 3500+ institutions, helping students become job-ready through real-world, project-based programs in emerging technologies such as: ● Artificial Intelligence & Data Science ● Cloud Computing (AWS, Google) ● Salesforce & ServiceNow Platforms ● Full Stack Development ● Career Accelerator & Certification Pathways SmartBridge partners closely with universities, corporates, and government bodies to build future-ready talent aligned with global industry demand. About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic and relationship-driven Academic Program Manager based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to lead and expand our university engagement initiatives across the Kingdom. This role will be responsible for driving strategic partnerships with universities, implementing academic programs, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring successful delivery of industry-aligned learning experiences for students. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with higher education institutions, academic leadership, and skill development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities University Partnerships & Engagement ● Build and manage strong relationships with universities, colleges, and academic leadership across KSA. ● Act as the primary point of contact for institutional partnerships and program collaboration. ● Drive MoUs, partnership agreements, and long-term academic engagement strategies. Program Implementation & Delivery ● Lead end-to-end execution of academic programs including faculty development, student training, and certification pathways. ● Ensure smooth onboarding of universities into SmartBridge’s academic ecosystem. ● Coordinate program schedules, academic calendars, and student engagement plans. Stakeholder Management ● Collaborate with university Deans, HoDs, placement teams, and government stakeholders where required. ● Work closely with internal teams (Curriculum, Product, Delivery, Corporate Relations) to ensure program success. ● Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership on industry readiness and employability programs. Academic Growth & Expansion ● Identify new opportunities to expand SmartBridge programs across Riyadh and other regions in KSA. ● Support student career acceleration initiatives aligned with Vision 2030 goals. ● Monitor program performance and recommend improvements for scale and impact. Reporting & Documentation ● Maintain regular reporting on partnership status, program progress, and outcomes. ● Track KPIs such as university adoption, student enrollment, certification completion, and placement support. Required Qualifications ● Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Business, Engineering, or related fields. ● 5+ years of experience working with universities, academic partnerships, or skill development programs. ● Strong understanding of Saudi Arabia’s higher education ecosystem. ● Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. ● Experience in managing multiple institutional relationships simultaneously. ● Ability to travel across KSA as required.