HR Coordinator

Role: Chief Academic Officer

Contract Type: Volunteer

Interview: February 2025

Duration 12 Months

Who we are & What do we believe? 

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are!

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to provide academic oversight and lead the auditing processes within our Publication Department. This strategic role is pivotal in ensuring that Arcadia's publications uphold the highest academic standards, while driving the organisation's mission to provide quality education and promote art. In collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief and Chief Research Officer, the CAO will play a key role in ensuring academic integrity, overseeing the approval of research proposals, and conducting comprehensive audits of published articles to guarantee alignment with Arcadia's academic vision. As the CAO, you will be responsible for overseeing the academic aspects of both the Editorial and Research departments, ensuring that both adhere to strict academic guidelines and foster a culture of excellence. This position requires the ability to maintain impartial oversight, with independence from the Editorial and Research teams, while simultaneously supporting professional development initiatives to enhance academic proficiency across the department. You will also manage a team of academic experts and lecturers who will provide valuable insights and guidance to both departments. Your leadership will be instrumental in developing robust academic auditing processes and in ensuring the continual growth of the publication department’s academic capabilities. 

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the academic publication integrity of an international non governmental organisation that is at the forefront of academia and art. We are looking for an individual who brings passion, strategic acumen, and a commitment to excellence, with a genuine interest in making a meaningful impact on an international scale. The CAO will play a pivotal role in enhancing Arcadia’s academic reputation and ensuring its publications continue to set benchmarks for quality and impact in the field.

Key Responsibilities

As the Chief Academic Officer, you will play a critical role in maintaining academic excellence and ensuring the integrity of Arcadia's publication processes. Your responsibilities will include:

Academic Oversight and Auditing:  

• Lead the academic auditing process across the Editorial and Research departments to ensure the highest standards of academic quality and integrity in all published materials. Conduct regular audits of articles, research, and editorial practices to uphold the organisation's academic reputation and ensure compliance with international academic standards.  

Research Proposal Approval:  

• Oversee the process of research proposal evaluations and approvals, ensuring that all proposals meet Arcadia’s rigorous academic and research standards. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to researchers to ensure alignment with Arcadia’s objectives and academic goals.  

Professional Development Training:  

• Develop and implement professional development programmes for Editorial and Research department members, ensuring continuous growth in academic skills and knowledge. Facilitate training sessions to enhance academic expertise and improve the quality of research and editorial practices across the departments.  

Skills and Competencies Required:

Academic Expertise and Audit Skills:  

• Extensive experience in academic auditing, with a focus on evaluating research, publications, and editorial processes. A strong background in academic management and a deep understanding of the standards and methodologies applied in academic publishing.  

Research and Proposal Evaluation:  

• Proven ability to evaluate and approve research proposals, ensuring alignment with high academic standards and organisational goals. Expertise in guiding research development to meet the needs of diverse academic fields.  

Strategic Vision and Planning:  

• Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to the long-term academic and publishing vision of an organisation. Experience in developing and implementing academic programmes that align with organisational objectives.  

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant academic discipline is required, with experience in teaching or working at academic institutions. While experience as a lecturer at university level is highly desirable, it is not mandatory.  
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in academic leadership or management roles, including significant involvement in research and academic publications. Experience working within or leading academic departments in higher education institutions or research organisations is essential.  
• Demonstrated expertise in academic publishing processes, including approval and audit of research proposals, academic content quality, and adherence to rigorous academic standards.  
• Proven experience in managing and overseeing academic audits of research and editorial activities, ensuring compliance with institutional and academic guidelines, and upholding ethical and scholarly integrity.  
• Experience in the development and delivery of professional development training programmes, aimed at enhancing academic staff performance, especially within publishing and editorial environments.  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to oversee the coordination of multiple academic teams, including lecturers, academic experts, and researchers.  
• Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
• A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.  

What We Offer 

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments. 
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section. 
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.

Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.