Chief Academic Officer

Des Moines Public School District • Chicago, IA

4d

About The Position

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking a Chief Academic Officer for the 2027–2028 school year. The role provides strategic leadership across the district, overseeing teaching and learning, educational and curriculum-related programs, school-based operations, and other educational or administrative areas assigned by the Superintendent. The Chief Academic Officer serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent and as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, exercising independent judgment and strategic foresight while managing complex relationships.

The position develops and advances district goals aligned with the strategic plan; leads systemic approaches to curriculum, assessment, instruction, professional development, and school improvement; and promotes continuous improvement and collaboration across schools and departments. The role supervises and evaluates assigned personnel, advises the Superintendent, engages with staff, families, students, and community members, represents the district in community organizations, and attends all Board meetings.

This is a licensed administrator position with a 12-month calendar and an 8-hour workday. Compensation is determined by skills, relevant work experience, and education. The posted salary range represents the first quartile through the midpoint of the range. The position qualifies for a 14% tax-sheltered annuity, and single and family health benefits valued at approximately $35,000 annually are provided at no cost to employees. Relocation assistance of up to $6,000 is available.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in School Administration plus 30 additional graduate semester hours in an approved superintendent program, or an Ed.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D. in educational leadership/superintendency.
• Five years of previous supervisory experience.
• Five years of administrative experience in an educational setting.
• Administrator License with evaluator approval.
• Superintendent PK-12/AEA Administrator endorsement or eligibility.
• Knowledge of current educational research related to curriculum and instruction, school finance, effective schools, personnel management, technology, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws affecting public school districts.
• Ability to analyze facts and make sound decisions based on applicable laws and policies.
• Effective written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks when appropriate.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, supervisory, and leadership skills, including the ability to motivate district stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent time-management skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to attend work promptly and regularly and maintain satisfactory, harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Candidates offered a position must successfully pass criminal background and child and adult abuse registry checks. Certain positions may also require fingerprinting, drug and alcohol testing, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-range goals and objectives aligned with the district’s strategic plan, including plans to implement and evaluate district programs, and manage department resources.
• Develop and implement a systemic approach to developing and evaluating curriculum, assessment, instruction, and professional development for PK-12 programs.
• Coordinate and implement support for the school improvement process, soliciting input from students, school- and district-based employees, and community stakeholders.
• Lead district-wide continuous improvement and collaboration; analyze needs and objectives in assigned areas and work collaboratively to design, implement, review, evaluate, and update programs.
• Facilitate collaboration and effective communication among assigned personnel, principals, central administration staff, and the community to advance strategic-plan goals.
• Participate in district-level decision-making and review and report on district goals and initiatives.
• Implement plans, procedures, and responsibilities consistent with district policies, goals, programs, curriculum, and efficient use of resources.
• Meet regularly with assigned staff to discuss performance, jointly develop improvement objectives, identify professional growth opportunities, and supervise and evaluate directly assigned personnel.
• Advise the Superintendent on PK-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as other assigned projects, functions, and initiatives.
• Manage information and conflict and meet with staff, parents, students, and community members about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning.
• Support the Board, Superintendent, and colleagues in achieving district goals and objectives.
• Participate in community organizations and serve as a district representative.
• Attend all Board meetings and serve as a resource person for the Superintendent and Board.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, coursework, and collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 14% tax-sheltered annuity (TSA).
• Single and family health benefits valued at approximately $35,000 annually at no cost to employees.
• Relocation assistance of up to $6,000.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive