How to Become a Chief Academic Officer

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Chief Academic Officer

What does a Chief Academic Officer do?

A Chief Academic Officer directs and oversees the academic program of a university/college. Leads policy development in student learning, academic programs, teaching, research, and related student success areas. Being a Chief Academic Officer requires a master's degree. Typically reports to top executive officer. The Chief Academic Officer manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a Chief Academic Officer typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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A chief academic officer (CAO) is responsible for developing and administering the instructional plan for an academic institution.

02/04/2020: Schenectady, NY

The position is typically the most senior executive in charge of all of the components that comprise the academic program and reports directly to the president.

02/20/2020: Paramus, NJ

Functionally, the chief academic officer performs duties across four traditional business areas as those duties relate to the instructional program.

02/23/2020: New York, NY

The chief academic officer also participates in human resources management.

01/07/2020: Burlington, VT

Another important functional area of chief academic officer duties falls under finance.

02/10/2020: Montgomery, AL
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Chief Academic Officer

Best tips for those who want to become a Chief Academic Officer

Here are some tips to become a Chief Academic Officer.

People's Opinions on best tips

Chief academic officer interview question.

12/02/2019: Saginaw, MI

Text Message and Email Communications.

02/07/2020: Norfolk, VA

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02/13/2020: Port Arthur, TX
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Chief Academic Officer

Best colleges and universities for Chief Academic Officer

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Chief Academic Officer

Is being a Chief Academic Officer Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The chief academic officer is an associate superintendent who oversees the district's Teaching and Learning Division, which covers 15 departments including assessment, accountability and evaluation, charter schools, K-12 curriculum and instruction, library media services, physical education, and school counseling services.

02/28/2020: Petaluma, CA

Sonya Williams, Ph.D., has joined the College of Lake County as vice president of education and chief academic officer.

01/11/2020: Portsmouth, NH

Kahn is “ideally suited to be Joslin’s first CAO, given his world renowned expertise in diabetes and obesity research, and his respect for and personal demonstration of academic accomplishment,” Joslin President and Chief Executive John.

02/09/2020: Portland, OR

“My job will be to make sure that everything that Joslin does — in the clinic, in research, and in commercial ventures — fits our academic mission and meets the highest academic standards.”.

02/25/2020: Fort Smith, AR

The district told the Reporter-Telegram in August that Patrick Jones, who served as chief academic officer at the time, would transition into a new role focusing on coaching principals and coordinating campus leadership development.

02/22/2020: Columbus, MS
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Chief Academic Officer

What skills do you need to be a Chief Academic Officer?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Capital Budgeting, Certification and Accreditation Process, Community Relations, Data Analysis, Donor Relations, Education Management, Educational Professional Ethics Compliance, Educational Program Management, Educational Technology, Operations Management, Performance Management Programs, Research Documentation, Strategy Development, Technology Integration, Organizational Policy Development, Organizational Goal Setting, Academic Administration, Compliance Monitoring, Institutional Research, Long Term Planning.  For this position, you need to be experienced with: Learning Management System (LMS) Software, Student Information Systems (SIS).  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Chief Academic Officer skills

Chief academic officer skills list For some jobs, experience is the first requirement of qualifications.

12/09/2019: Greenville, SC

Supervised the Deputies and the day-to-day operations of Academic Enrichment and Support; Career and Technical Education; Counseling and Promotion Standards; Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development; Early Childhood Education; Educational Technology and Accountability; Leadership Development; Multilingual Curriculum and Programs; Non-Instructional Support; Parent and Family Services; Specialized Instructional Services; Student Discipline, Hearings, and Expulsion.

12/17/2019: Lubbock, TX

The CAO position is a newly created position recognized as essential to CAMC’s future strategic development and plans that will enhance an existing strong academic foundation and culture that is characterized by long-standing academic partnerships, excellent program outcomes and highly committed academic and clinical faculty.

12/17/2019: Port Arthur, TX

The successful candidate will be a physician with 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic health system, teaching hospital, or medical school environment.

01/06/2020: New Haven, CT

with significant experience in academic medicine, including oversight of medical education programs with a demonstrated track record of championing excellence, leading change and fostering engagement.

12/25/2019: Moline, IL
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Step 6: View average salary for Chief Academic Officer

How much does a Chief Academic Officer make?

The average salary range for a Chief Academic Officer is from $160,173 to $276,123. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Chief Academic Officer
$160,173 to $276,123

Step 7: Find relevant Chief Academic Officer jobs, and apply.

Looking for Chief Academic Officer jobs?

Here are some Chief Academic Officer jobs in the United States.

Search Chief Academic Officer Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Chief Academic Officer

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Chief Academic Officer? Chief Academic Officer