Chief Academic Officer

POSITION: Chief Academic Officer

LOCATION: Centrally-Based

PAY: Administrator Salary Schedule

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 Months

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

JOB GOAL: The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) sets the strategic vision and direction for the

instructional framework of JCPS's academic programs. The CAO is the leader, spokesperson, and expert on curriculum, instruction, teaching and learning. This role works to establish a culture of high expectations and shared responsibility for equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction. The CAO works to create partnerships between district offices and schools that ensure closer alignment of district resources with schools' needs to implement a district instructional plan that ensures effective teaching in every classroom.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five years of supervisory/administrative/management experience in school administration, including knowledge of academic and accountability testing.
• Doctoral degree in Education Leadership or Curriculum and Instruction preferred.
• Must be eligible for a NC certificate in Administration or Curriculum.
• Must possess a North Carolina driver's license at time of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable of best practices, current national trends and research for the instruction of diverse learners.
• High level of expertise in all areas of public education and student achievement.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and operational insights.
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop direct reports.
• Knowledgeable of state and federal regulations and accreditation standards.
• Ability to interpret school district policy accurately and make appropriate decisions.
• Knowledgeable of current legal issues regarding human resources, including those specific to education.
• Knowledgeable of research based curriculum, programs, and services.
• Knowledgeable of health and safety procedures that apply to staff and students.
• Ability to effectively address key strategic challenges and opportunities.
• Ability to utilize resources effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to follow appropriate budgetary procedures and practices.
• Ability to utilize effective consultation and/or resolution processes.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain positive and effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to collect, maintain and accurately analyze/disseminate relevant data.
• Ability to be flexible, dependable, responsive and creative.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision/oversight.
• Ability to demonstrate beliefs and hold self and others accountable for reaching high academic achievement of all students.
• Ability to develop and deliver programming that drives improved academic performance for all students.
• Ability to implement promising, innovative and effective instructional practices and models.
• Knowledgeable of federal and state regulations and compliance related to students with special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, tailoring messages for the audience, context, and mode of communication.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional Leadership

• Develop, and implement a vision for the district's instructional and curriculum services and set a vision and goals for the Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability office to ensure rigorous and standards-aligned instruction and instructional supports in every classroom and for every JCPS student.
• Direct academic service areas (i.e. instructional improvement, curriculum and instruction, professional development, exceptional children services, school improvement and accountability, etc.).
• Assume leadership role on the Superintendent's Cabinet responsible for assisting with long-range strategic planning, developing system-wide budgets, plans, policies and activities.
• Support informed decision-making by the Superintendent and Cabinet by monitoring and effectively interpreting the latest research, trends and development in all areas of education.
• Deliver written and oral presentations on academic accountability to various stakeholders (i.e. Board of Education, principals, teachers, parents, and community groups).
• Apply research and best practice to inform theories of pedagogy and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality instruction aligned with key standards (i.e. classroom-to-classroom, grade-by-grade, school-by-school).
• Serve as key spokesperson to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and the community regarding all academic and curriculum related educational issues.

Instructional Management and Coordinated Services

• Collaborate with Chiefs, Area Assistant Superintendents, and Executive Directors in all academic areas to evaluate existing curriculum programs based on observation, and results of School Improvement & Accountability Services testing to determine updates to School Improvement Plans.
• Collaborate with principals, Area Assistant Superintendents, and district departments to provide supports for a variety of school settings and build school support systems with the necessary resources.
• Collaborate with school systems, community agencies, local universities, and research laboratories to promote shared learning.

Continuous Improvement for School Support

• Establish direction for school improvement efforts by monitoring the progress of school performance, student achievement objectives and academic excellence indicators to align strategies for school improvement.
• Develop, organize and implement models of technical assistance for schools with low student achievement; and continuous improvement for schools with average-to-high student achievement.
• Collaborate with schools to develop instructional programs and to implement reform models designed to improve achievement of all students.
• Strategically manage and allocate resources aligned to students' needs.

Talent Management and Professional Learning

• Build and lead an effective, Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability services department that is evaluated on the ability to improve instructional practices.
• Provide input on professional development activities for JCPS.
• Ensure that initiatives for school leaders and school teams are coordinated and integrate both academic content and instructional strategies.
• Monitor the coordination of all district professional development efforts and the implementation of new and existing educational programs using Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) as a vehicle to provide staff support.

Strategic Planning and Effective Execution

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and diagnose root causes.
• Exhibit a strong focus on goals and results.
• Continuously monitors progress and demonstrates persistence to overcome obstacles to achieve goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

DISCLAIMERS: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.

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