Director of Programs & Operations

About The Organization

The School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) is a pioneering Afghan-led boarding school dedicated exclusively to educating Afghan girls. Originally based in Afghanistan, the school relocated to Rwanda following the Taliban's return in 2021. SOLA continues its commitment to delivering a rigorous education fostering critical thinking, purpose, and mutual respect. SOLAx, launched in March 2024, is a WhatsApp-based education platform offering Afghan curriculum including ESL in English, Dari, and Pashto, accessible globally to Afghan girls.

Position Summary

The role of Director of Programs & Operations for SOLAx is a full-time, remote position operating during Eastern Standard Time (EST) hours. This role partners strategically with the Co-Founder and leads execution of SOLAx’s most critical initiatives across diverse areas such as programs, operations, technology, and outreach. Effectiveness in managing complex projects, coordinating diverse stakeholders, and building scalable systems to support growth and impact is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance strategic priorities alongside the Co-Founder, leading cross-team and vendor collaborations.
• Develop and maintain organizational processes, reporting, and accountability structures.
• Track progress on objectives, manage emergent projects, and ensure timely completion.
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Team to maintain relevant, learner-centered courses.
• Support learner enrollment, engagement, and course completion in partnership with Outreach and Communications teams.
• Guide SOLAx’s technological transition, managing vendor relations and enhancing learner experience.
• Design and administer a volunteer helpdesk program, including recruitment and training.
• Oversee learning outcome assessments, impact metrics, and prepare reports for leadership and donors.
• Lead accreditation preparation through research, documentation, and quality assurance.
• Coordinate donor reporting and board material preparation alongside Development and Communications teams.
• Supervise Operations Associate, cultivating collaborative and accountable work culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 4-7 years in program management, operations, education, nonprofit leadership, or related fields.
• Strong skills in project management, cross-functional coordination, and communication.
• Analytical problem-solving abilities and capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Preferred experience includes EdTech, international development, digital learning, evaluation methods, vendor management, accreditation processes, and volunteer coordination.

Why Join SOLA?

This leadership role offers a chance to significantly impact access to quality education for Afghan girls worldwide. The position includes a competitive salary ($85,000–$95,000), flexible hours and location, a mission-driven culture, and opportunities for meaningful influence.

Physical Effort and Work Environment

• Standard office equipment usage; some driving required.
• Physical activities including standing, bending, reaching, and frequent walking.
• Work may involve prolonged hours and local/international travel.
• Mental demands include emotional resilience, prioritization under stress, calm communication, and teamwork.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The School of Leadership Afghanistan, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category.