Chief Academic Officer

Centennial Academy•Atlanta, GA

16d

About The Position

Position Summary: The Chief Academic Officer is the instructional leader of the school, responsible for ensuring high levels of scholar achievement through effective teaching, rigorous curriculum, and strong professional development. The CAO oversees curriculum and instruction, assessment, and teacher growth, and partners closely with the Executive Director and the executive leadership team to ensure academic excellence for every scholar. Who we are looking for: The Chief Academic Officer of Centennial Academy is a data-informed, collaborative, and innovative change agent who displays a passion for scholar achievement and socio-emotional development. As such, this individual is relentless in the pursuit of EXCELLENCE & EQUITY for all scholars and families, is committed to being accountable for “every scholar, every day,” Essential Duties: Leadership & Strategy Serve as the primary instructional leader for the school, ensuring alignment between the academic program and the school’s mission and Graduate Profile, a.k.a. Portrait of a Graduate or Student Success Profile, and maintaining accountability for meeting or exceeding academic goals. Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop the academic plan each year, including setting priorities, goals, and performance metrics; oversee implementation of the plan. Provide leadership to teachers, instructional coaches, and academic support staff to foster a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement. Curriculum & Instruction Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of standards-aligned curriculum across grade levels. Support teachers in delivering engaging, rigorous, and culturally responsive instruction, with consistent commitment to developing student competencies aligned with the school’s graduate profile. Model effective teaching practices and provide classroom observations and feedback. Assessment & Accountability Design and implement assessment systems that track scholar progress and inform instruction. Establish and monitor a K–8 assessment calendar (screeners, diagnostics, interims, state tests, etc.); regularly analyze scholar performance data to identify trends, address achievement gaps, and guide instructional decisions. Collaborate with the data/technology team to maintain and continually improve data platforms (e.g., i-Ready/Amplify/Renaissance), including roster sync, cut-scores, and reporting. Own academic components of authorizer, state, and district compliance (assessment administration, secure testing, Title I/IDEA documentation); co-author the School Improvement Plan; align with Operations on master schedule, testing logistics, and data privacy. Talent Management, Development & Support Manage leaders of key programmatic areas, potentially Special Education, Gifted and Talented, STEAM, etc., based on the division of responsibility among leadership In partnership with the instructional leadership team, design the framework for professional development; ensure effective implementation of the PD program within and across academies, continuously improving the link between the PD program and improved student outcomes. Lead professional development initiatives that strengthen teacher practice and leadership capacity. Provide feedback to instructional leaders. School Culture & Equity Promote a positive school culture. Ensure instructional practices meet the needs of all learners, including scholars with disabilities, English learners, and gifted scholars. Collaboration & Communication Build strong relationships with staff to foster trust and collaboration. Serve as a member of the executive team, working in partnership with the Executive Director and other executive members on whole school initiatives. Communicate clearly with stakeholders about academic goals and progress. Qualifications: Candidates for the position should be passionate about the use of data-driven decisions in a school setting by building strong relationships and applying a business-minded approach to the education sector. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

Candidates for the position should be passionate about the use of data-driven decisions in a school setting by building strong relationships and applying a business-minded approach to the education sector.
Master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or related field
Minimum 7 years of experience in K–8 education, including 3 years of proven success in an instructional leadership role (principal or network-wide position).
Track record of improving scholar outcomes and closing achievement gaps.
Deep knowledge of curriculum design, instructional best practices, and assessment systems.
Strong data analysis and decision-making skills
Effective communication, coaching, and facilitation skills.
Ability to build positive relationships and influence across all levels of the school.
Commitment to equity and the belief that all students can achieve at high levels.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate a plus.
Charter school or urban school experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary instructional leader for the school, ensuring alignment between the academic program and the school’s mission and Graduate Profile, a.k.a. Portrait of a Graduate or Student Success Profile, and maintaining accountability for meeting or exceeding academic goals.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop the academic plan each year, including setting priorities, goals, and performance metrics; oversee implementation of the plan.
Provide leadership to teachers, instructional coaches, and academic support staff to foster a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.
Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of standards-aligned curriculum across grade levels.
Support teachers in delivering engaging, rigorous, and culturally responsive instruction, with consistent commitment to developing student competencies aligned with the school’s graduate profile.
Model effective teaching practices and provide classroom observations and feedback.
Design and implement assessment systems that track scholar progress and inform instruction.
Establish and monitor a K–8 assessment calendar (screeners, diagnostics, interims, state tests, etc.); regularly analyze scholar performance data to identify trends, address achievement gaps, and guide instructional decisions.
Collaborate with the data/technology team to maintain and continually improve data platforms (e.g., i-Ready/Amplify/Renaissance), including roster sync, cut-scores, and reporting.
Own academic components of authorizer, state, and district compliance (assessment administration, secure testing, Title I/IDEA documentation); co-author the School Improvement Plan; align with Operations on master schedule, testing logistics, and data privacy.
Manage leaders of key programmatic areas, potentially Special Education, Gifted and Talented, STEAM, etc., based on the division of responsibility among leadership
In partnership with the instructional leadership team, design the framework for professional development; ensure effective implementation of the PD program within and across academies, continuously improving the link between the PD program and improved student outcomes.
Lead professional development initiatives that strengthen teacher practice and leadership capacity.
Provide feedback to instructional leaders.
Promote a positive school culture.
Ensure instructional practices meet the needs of all learners, including scholars with disabilities, English learners, and gifted scholars.
Build strong relationships with staff to foster trust and collaboration.
Serve as a member of the executive team, working in partnership with the Executive Director and other executive members on whole school initiatives.
Communicate clearly with stakeholders about academic goals and progress.