Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Alabama Department of Education • Mobile, AL

380d • $110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

ACCEL Academy, recognized throughout for its forward-thinking and progressive culture, is seeking a Chief Academic Officer (CAO). The CAO sets the strategic vision and direction for the instructional framework and pedagogical approach to ACCEL's academic programs and is a key lever to accomplishing the network's academic goals. The CAO is the leader, spokesperson, and resident expert on curriculum, instruction, pedagogy, and learning. This role develops the short- and long-term instructional vision. It 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 authentic partnerships between network offices and schools to ensure closer alignment of network resources with school needs, to implement an instructional plan for the network that ensures effective teaching in every classroom, and to create conditions that ensure systemic improvement of practice over time in every classroom. The CAO is responsible for all instructional functions, including 6th - 12th curriculum and instruction, professional development, student services, athletics, special education, family engagement, career, network, federal programs, registrar, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, teaching fellowships, gifted and talented, and college and career readiness. This position requires a strong instructional foundation, requiring the incumbent to stay current on instructional administration techniques and programs throughout the state and nation, incorporating findings into the local organization where appropriate relating to public and charter requirements.

Requirements

• A Master's degree with an emphasis in curriculum, instruction, and school leadership is required.
• A doctorate degree is preferred.
• K-12 Administrative Certification or ability and willingness to obtain this certification.
• Degree or relevant experience in working directly with middle and high-school-aged students as a teacher, mentor, or in another capacity.

Responsibilities

• Leads curriculum development, implementation, and assessment through an equity lens for the network.
• Develops a strategic plan with senior leadership that includes goals and strategies to ensure equitable standards-aligned instruction for every student.
• Directs and evaluates academic divisions, including instructional improvement, curriculum and instruction, professional development, exceptional children services, gifted services, English as a second language, etc., and student support services.
• Delivers written and oral presentations on academic accountability to various stakeholders (i.e., Board of Directors, Deputy, Superintendent, principal, teachers, parents and community groups).
• Approves departmental budgets and determines allocations for staff, supplies, and equipment.
• Collaborates with the Deputy and leadership in all academic areas to evaluate existing curriculum programs based on observations and results of Accountability Services testing to determine updates to School Improvement Plans.
• Coordinates with the Deputy to ensure that all student services, including special education and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) are implemented in compliance with state and federal law.
• Collaborates with school systems, community agencies, local universities, and research laboratories to promote shared learning.
• Establishes 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.
• Collaborates with schools to develop instructional programs and to implement reform models designed to improve the achievement of all students; develops a two-way feedback loop from school sites to the Chief Academic Office.
• Supports staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating project plans and strategies to achieve goals and objectives.
• Plans, develops, and implements professional development activities for teachers, ensuring a robust, systemic approach that meets student needs.
• Monitors the coordination of all network professional development efforts and the implementation of new and existing educational programs using Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) as a vehicle to provide staff support.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Deputy Superintendent, complying with lawful directives that the need for a team effort may drive.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.

Benefits

• Health benefits through the Alabama Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Program (PEEHIP).
• Retirement benefits through the Alabama Teacher Retirement System.
• $7,500 Signing Bonus (Paid December 15th).
• Performance Incentives, based upon network academic performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Master's degree