Head of Duolingo English Test, Japan

Our mission at Duolingo is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. It’s a big mission, and that’s where you come in!

At Duolingo, you’ll join a team that cares about educating our users, experimenting with big ideas, making fact-based decisions, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. You’ll have limitless learning opportunities and daily collaborations with world-class minds — while doing work that’s both meaningful and fun.

Join our life-changing mission to develop education for our half a billion (and growing!) learners around the world. 

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About the role

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an alternative to traditional testing — through a Duolingo-style experience: convenient, fast, and affordable. Students interested in studying abroad can certify their English with the Duolingo English Test instead of other standardized tests like the TOEFL and IELTS. We are now accepted by 5,700+ higher education institutions worldwide. Using AI and remote proctoring, we enable students to take the test online, on-demand, anywhere in the world. If you love making a difference in education through technology, this is your place.

We are looking for a strategic, resourceful, and analytical leader to drive DET’s adoption with key stakeholders in Japan. You will define DET’s strategy in Japan and take a structured and proactive approach to implementation. The ideal candidate fluidly toggles between strategy and execution and thrives in a fast feedback-loop environment.

Reporting to the Head of Global Growth for the Duolingo English Test, this is a position based in Tokyo. You will work closely with team members located across Asia as well as in the US, with regular business travel expected.

  You will...

• Grow DET’s stakeholder adoption in Japan and gain acceptance by universities, high schools, employers; build support from the government

• Develop and execute partnerships aligned with Duolingo’s business goals in Japan

• Be the face of the Duolingo English Test in Japan

• Collaborate with marketing teams to drive awareness and test taker adoption

• Serve as the source of truth for strategic decisions and own key business metrics for the DET in Japan

  You have...

• Demonstrated track record of achievement in fast-paced, global work environments, collaborating with cross-functional and executive stakeholders

• 12+ years of relevant professional experience across partnerships, business development, and education

• Ability to combine strategic thinking with rapid iteration, hands-on execution

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

• Self-starter capable of working across timezones and independently

• Flexibility to engage with colleagues in time zones around the globe

• Fluent English and Japanese in professional context

• Willingness to travel (as frequently as monthly) across Japan and to the US

  Exceptional candidates will have...

• MBA from top-tier program

• Partnerships experience at a leading global technology company

• Study abroad experience at the undergraduate or graduate level, and an intrinsic interest in disrupting the traditional English testing model

• Experience in the education sector in Japan

Take a peek at how we care for our employees' holistic well-being with our benefits here.

We will do everything we can within reason to make sure that your interview takes place in an environment that fairly and accurately assesses your skills. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact accommodations@duolingo.com.

Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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