Chief Academic Officer

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16•Milton, PA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) is a full-time, exempt member of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) senior management team. The CAO reports to the Executive Director or their designee and is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the intermediate unit’s teaching, leadership, and learning functions. These include academic, instructional, curricular, professional learning, assessment, instructional technology, leadership, school improvement, leadership development, and applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education initiatives and requirements. The position emphasizes Early Childhood through Grade 12 and supports both school-based and community-based educational experiences. The CAO serves as a liaison among member school districts, technical schools, colleges, the community, and the intermediate unit to support teaching and learning. The role provides planning, oversight, staff supervision, and project management for the Curriculum, Assessment and Regional Educational Services department and its programs. It leads the development of academic programs and services, supports school districts and non-public schools, oversees budgets and compliance, evaluates program effectiveness, and works with the Executive Director on service development. The CAO also participates in senior management and regional leadership activities, supports CSIU community partnerships, and represents CSIU in public networking and partnership activities. The position is based primarily at the CSIU Central Office at 90 Lawton Lane, Milton, Pennsylvania, or an assigned telework location, with frequent travel to member school districts and client locations. It follows a 12-month, 260-day work schedule and requires frequent evening meetings, professional meetings, and possible overnight travel. The work environment is primarily indoors in an office setting, with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions. The position requires the ability to work long hours as necessary, manage multiple projects and deadlines, respond calmly to stressful or unpredictable situations, and travel to various worksites and meetings.

Requirements

A minimum of a master’s degree in education.
At least 10 years of related professional work experience.
A valid Pennsylvania Letter of Eligibility (90) as 1150-Superintendent or 1160-IU Executive Director certification credential; candidates pursuing the credential may be considered if they complete all requirements and obtain it within one year of appointment.
Experience with educational accountability measures, including ESSA requirements, state and local assessments, curriculum development, and management of varied programs and initiatives.
Experience in project management, including fiscal management, resource deployment, and managing multiple projects.
Experience leading large-scale educational program development and reform.
Extensive knowledge and experience applying state and federal education law and policy.
Grant writing and management experience.
Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
Knowledge of educational technology integration trends and blended learning models.
Considerable experience leading the planning and development of district-wide curriculum and instructional programs for diverse populations.
Experience in leadership development and providing comprehensive professional learning programs.
Experience managing special education and planning implementation of educational accountability goals.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate the highest level of integrity.
Experience with group processes and working with diverse populations.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to improve efficiency and productivity.
Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry, email, and Google Drive file sharing.
Ability to use virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Current approved Act 34 Pennsylvania State Police, Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Registry, and Act 114 FBI Fingerprint clearances, renewed as required.
Current approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate documenting at least three hours of training every five years.
Maintain Pennsylvania Department of Education certification and Act 45/Act 48 continuing education requirements, and attend applicable state and federal training.
Ongoing learning in effective schools, staff development, instructional and assessment strategies, and effective professional learning.
Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to travel to worksites and meetings as needed.
Ability to sit for extended periods, walk and stand occasionally, and lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for computer and office equipment use; audio-visual ability within normal range, with or without correction.
Ability to move throughout buildings, floors, and CSIU grounds; work long hours as necessary; remain alert and safe; exercise independent judgment and discretion; and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Adherence to CSIU confidentiality, property, professional conduct, and service-standard requirements.

Nice To Haves

A Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree.
At least 10 years of supervisory experience and excellent supervisory skills.
Proficiency in using vetted artificial intelligence (AI); ability to enhance AI skills is required, and exploration and use of new AI tools or technologies are subject to review and approval.

Responsibilities

Provide planning, oversight, staff supervision, and project management for the Curriculum, Assessment and Regional Educational Services department and its programs.
Provide leadership development for school district personnel, co-lead the principal induction program, develop Act 45 opportunities for district leaders, and coordinate the annual Superintendent Retreat.
Seek and secure public and private funds to support and expand CSIU work.
Lead the development of Early Childhood through Grade 12 academic programs, including school-based and community-based programs.
Develop quality elementary, secondary, and community education programs and coordinate shared education service opportunities for districts across CSIU departments.
Identify and implement effective curriculum and instructional policies and practices to expand educational options and improve student achievement.
Evaluate key program initiatives, inform the Executive Director about program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
Supervise, train, evaluate, and organize the work of reporting staff, and recommend staff for employment.
Meet with school district and non-public education officials, principals, educators, higher education officials, advisory groups, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Set annual priorities and measurable goals through the strategic planning process and foster a culture focused on improving student and client achievement.
Develop and maintain inclusive decision-making processes that integrate academic supports and services.
Serve on cross-functional teams across CSIU programs and divisions to provide educational and managerial leadership.
Support member school districts and non-public schools in addressing state and national initiatives, directives, and program activities.
Monitor education research, trends, and developments; support school improvement and program development; and encourage sharing of effective strategies and collaboration.
Review and monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with CSIU strategic initiatives and appropriate allocation of resources.
Assist in the management of special education and provide executive oversight and strategic leadership for school-based and community-based behavioral and mental health programs.
Ensure compliance across education, certification, behavioral health, grants, contracts, and specialized programs.
Serve, as recommended or approved by the Executive Director, on community boards, advisory councils, and regional organizations aligned with CSIU’s work and priorities.
Assist the Executive Director in developing new CSIU services or markets.
Participate as an integral member of the CSIU senior management team, including leadership meetings and Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units meetings and events.
Participate in leadership efforts to expand and improve CSIU programs in cooperation with administrators, government agencies, community organizations, and professional groups.
Perform other related duties assigned by the Executive Director or their designee.
Complete professional learning recommended by the Executive Director; maintain PDE certification and Act 45/Act 48 continuing education requirements; attend required trainings, meetings, workshops, and professional conferences.
Represent CSIU in public networking and partnership activities, promote CSIU programs and services, and relay information about potential grants or funding sources to appropriate staff.
Maintain confidentiality, comply with CSIU professional and service standards, and protect CSIU property and intellectual property.