Vice President, Open edX Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth chez Axim Collaborative Inc

Description

 Axim Collaborative is a nonprofit that transforms education to work pathways by facilitating collaboration and innovations to build an ecosystem of solutions to drive better outcomes for millions of learners. Axim uses catalytic funding to foster partnerships, convene leaders and scale innovations to strengthen pathways for learners. These pathways engage students in their course of study, enable them to persist through their programs and prepare them to excel in their careers. Axim Collaborative is a joint endeavor between Harvard and MIT that evolved from edX, the pioneering online learning platform that launched in 2012. Axim is the steward of the Open edX platform, a highly scalable, free-to-use, open-source learning platform with the aim of making education accessible to everyone, everywhere. Today, the platform powers high-quality, innovative online learning for higher education institutions, governments, NGOs, and enterprises worldwide.  

ABOUT THE VP, PARTNERSHIPS & ECOSYTEM GROWTH ROLE

Reporting to the Vice President, Engineering, this newly created position, the Vice President, Open edX Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth is responsible for increasing the impact of our open-source platform by expanding our global ecosystem of users and contributors.  You will provide thought leadership by developing and executing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy aligned with our mission. This includes building strategic partnerships, elevating the Open edX Project brand, and creating a scalable, programmatic framework to support and grow our fundraising efforts.

Axim Collaborative embraces a flexible work philosophy that allows for in-person, remote, and hybrid work arrangements based on business needs that may evolve and change from time to time. This role will be hybrid, occasionally working in-person in Axim’s Cambridge office 1-2 days per week at the manager’s discretion and based on business needs that may evolve and change from time to time. Additionally, all staff are required to attend in-person programming three times a year. This role will require approximately 25% travel.

Requirements

 Strategic Partnerships

• Curate and manage a portfolio of strategic relationships to build the Open edX Project’s open source ecosystem at executive levels, serving as a primary representative of Axim and stewarding partner engagement
• Lead the development of new funding mechanisms and a programmatic framework for Open edX platform advancement by leveraging sources such as corporate CSR, grants, and philanthropy 
• Identify partnership opportunities that result in increased Open edX platform and community adoption; align outcomes of partnerships with Axim’s mission and focus on clear and measurable outcomes  
• Source and structure new proposed collaboratives, such as mission aligned organizations and pilot partnerships, for review by appropriate stakeholders which may include Axim leadership, the Open edX Technical Oversight Committee, and the Axim Board of Trustees
• Represent Axim Collaborative at external events, including conferences and media engagements

Go to Market Strategy

• Develop and lead a comprehensive go-to-market strategy through intentional market segmentation and contribute to the product market strategy in collaboration with Axim’s Open edX staff to support sustainable growth of the open-source ecosystem
• Outline key activities and priorities required to deliver on strategic vision and work cooperatively with Axim’s Open edX staff to implement those priorities

Marketing and Communications

• Lead and align the Open edX platform communications across internal and external stakeholders to ensure a consistent and compelling brand position and message
• Expand the Open edX project’s visibility and credibility through amplifying partner work and developing thought leadership strategies
• Lead the Open edX Project’s marketing and communications function, collaborating with other leaders to determine needs as the organization evolves
• Lead planning and execution of the Open edX convenings, including the annual conference, to foster engagement and elevate the project's influence in open, online education

Team Management:

• Manage Open edX staff and partners focused on marketing and communications, which currently includes the Community Manager and external partners, to implement the Open edX project’s communications and marketing initiatives
• Serve as a member of Axim's Senior Team

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep commitment to education equity demonstrated through your work experience
• At least 15 years of successfully developing go to market strategies and securing large scale partnerships in fields such as higher education, industry, philanthropy, and open source. 
• At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience, including 3-5 years at the senior level demonstrating success in leading strategic initiatives and collaborating with executive leadership, board members, and diverse external stakeholders
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect with and influence internal and external decision-makers with a diverse range of priorities
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in competitive market strategy and ability to develop value propositions to build and significantly grow new lines of business
• Robust understanding of educational technology and how it can be leveraged to support all learners served by the Open edX platform
• Understanding of the dynamics of open source communities and models that make open source projects and ecosystems sustainable 
• Exceptional project management, prioritization, and planning skills, with demonstrated success producing high-quality deliverables on time and within budget
• Experience operating in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment as a creative thinker and problem solver
• Experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors and with projects that leverage digital technology strongly preferred

Benefits Statement

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive medical and dental insurance, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, a competitive 401(k) plan, and a generous employer match.

Axim Collaborative is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe this is critical to enabling our partners' and the learners they serve to realize their educational and career aspirations. Axim is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people from all experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Idora Sopin-Vilme at HR at Axim.org.

Please Note: This role is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.