Program Director, Activate Jobs

The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a global human accelerator focused on developing young people (ages 13-18) to impact billions. In TKS, students learn about solving problems using emerging technologies, develop foundational mindsets, and build real-world skills, while being part of a global community of like-minded people.
Our vision is to help create the next generation of unicorn people - people who impact billions. In 2020, TKS was recognized by The World Economic Forum as a "School of the Future" and was also featured in Forbes, BBC, Fast Company etc...
We currently have 2,500+ students and alumni from over 200 cities globally. Our alumni have started venture-backed companies, performed cutting-edge research, presented at the world's largest conferences, and are creating solutions to tackle important problems like maternal mortality, disease, and energy.
We’re looking for a Program Director to run Activate, our second-year program at TKS. As the Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in evolving the curriculum, coaching students, and guiding them to develop world-class problem-solving skills. You'll work closely with the top 100 students from the first-year program, working with them to deepen their understanding of themselves, themselves, and how to make an impact in the world.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Exploration of Real-World Problems: Facilitate sessions that explore and analyze real-world challenges spanning diverse domains, including medical errors, energy storage, poverty, pollution, and more. Engage students in exercises that break down problems to their root causes using first principles analysis.
• Project Guidance and Impact Assessment: Understand students' advanced projects and provide guidance to overcome bottlenecks and blockers. Apply go-to mental models to help students navigate their projects effectively, ensuring they grasp the big picture while paying attention to crucial details. Foster stakeholder analysis, economic understanding, and prototyping skills, enabling students to transform their ideas into tangible solutions.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, scientific breakthroughs, and global events. Customize the curriculum to reflect emerging trends and incorporate timely topics, allowing students to gain deep insights and broaden their understanding of the world.
• Coaching and Personal Development: Provide high-touch coaching and personalized learning experiences to help students discover their strengths, enhance productivity, and foster fulfillment. Employ various tools and frameworks to support students' growth, such as OKR setting, one-on-one sessions, and team-based coaching.

Day-to-Day:

• Have 1on1s with your students to provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback - especially on their projects.
• Run the program and deliver weekly sessions with Activate's Associate Director, Mikaela Ergas Lenett 👋
• Review applications and interview students who apply to your program.
• Create unique experiential opportunities for students (e.g. attending conferences/events, guest speakers, company tours, and lab tours/opportunities).
• Develop an engaging community and culture within your program.
• Learn about exponential technologies through our curriculum and facilitate discussions on the future, including philosophical and economic implications.

Experience we're looking for:

• Leadership experience with a track record of managing teams and mentoring individuals.
• 6-10 years of professional experience
• Deep expertise in one of the following areas: Technology, Science, Start-ups, International Development/NGOs, Education & Teaching, Consulting, Finance, or Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in building projects or initiatives, such as launching start-ups, creating software tools, designing process improvements, or other tangible accomplishments that you can speak to.

Note: While a background in emerging technologies or strong technical abilities are not required, they are considered advantageous.
To be successful, you’ll need to have:

• Passion towards mentoring and facilitating personal growth in young individuals.
• Openness to self-discovery, personal growth, and pushing limits
• Solid foundation and excitement towards emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated problem-solving expertise with a focus on complex challenges.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and applying first principles thinking.

Reasons to Consider Applying:

• Shape future leaders by shaping problem solvers and change-makers.
• Join a vibrant community of educators and mentors driving change.
• Find fulfillment in coaching students' progress and impact.
• Experience continuous intellectual growth across diverse domains.
• Embrace flexibility and experimentation in curriculum design.

Benefits/Perks:

• Work with smart people who enjoy high-quality conversations
• Network with influential people
• Build relationships with the next generation of unicorn founders
• Access to TKS program content – always be learning 💡
• Competitive compensation
• Complete ownership and autonomy

Ps. Yes, we offer health benefits, vacation, swag, and other nice perks.
Resources to learn more about TKS:
Below we've included some resources that you can check out to get a deeper understanding about TKS, including podcasts from our founders and videos of our students.
🎬 Video: What Does Ambition Mean?
🎙️ Podcast: Nadeem & TKS Philosophy
🎬 TEDx Talk: Human Potential
🗞️ Forbes: Equipping Youth To...
🎬 Video: TKShowcase Highlights
🎙️ Podcast: Navid & TKS Story
🗞️ Fast Company: Where Tomorrow's...
🎬 Video: TKS Changed My Mindset