Chief Academic Officer

Primary Purpose:

Provide executive leadership for the districts instructional vision and academic performance systems to ensure high levels of student achievement and postsecondary readiness for all students. Lead the development implementation and continuous improvement of curriculum instruction assessment and professional learning to ensure high levels of student achievement and postsecondary readiness. Align districtwide academic systems campus leadership personnel and resources to advance strategic priorities and ensure coherence and continuity of programming while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements. Ensure coherence across all academic systems and maintain compliance with state and federal requirements while operating within policies established by the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Masters degree from an accredited college or university in curriculum and instruction educational leadership or a closely related field
• Doctorate (preferred)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Valid Texas administrative certificate issued by the State Board for Educator Certification
• Valid Texas superintendent certificate issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (preferred)

Experience

• Five (5) years of successful teaching experience
• Five (5) years of successful campus leadership experience
• Five (5) years of successful administrative experience in a supervisory capacity preferably at the district level
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale curriculum instructional improvement and professional learning initiatives
• Experience supervising campus leaders and/or district instructional administrators

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of curriculum development instructional design Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) alignment processes and the core practices of highly effective schools.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal state and local accountability systems; state and local assessment frameworks; Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements; College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) indicators; and school improvement processes.
• Advanced ability to analyze and interpret student performance data evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness and utilize findings to drive systemwide improvement
• Extensive knowledge of effective professional learning models and leadership development systems
• Strong understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) frameworks and equitable instructional practices
• Advanced ability to align curriculum instruction and assessment to standards; implement and evaluate academic programs; lead and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration; utilize data effectively to improve instructional outcomes; and manage complex district initiatives
• Advanced fiscal leadership skills related to budget planning resource allocation and personnel management
• Exceptional executive-level communication presentation public relations report writing organizational and stakeholder engagement skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and build high-performing leadership teams

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Academic Leadership

• Establish and articulate the districts academic vision aligned to Board priorities and strategic goals fostering a student-centered and results-oriented culture focused on instructional improvement and increased achievement for every student.
• Lead the district-level decision-making process to establish review and execute the districts academic goals objectives and major instructional programs using effective collaborative and problem-solving processes.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum instruction assessment accountability systems and major academic initiatives to drive measurable improvement in student outcomes.
• Advise the Superintendent and Board of Trustees on academic performance program effectiveness and instructional policy matters while fostering a culture of trust transparency and collaboration across academic departments.

Curriculum & Instructional Systems

• Oversee and facilitate collaboration with curriculum specialists principals and instruction staff to design systemically review revise and implement TEKS-aligned curriculum across all grade levels and content areas.
• Ensure instructional programs reflect research-based best practices and support diverse student needs.
• Monitor districtwide implementation of instructional frameworks and ensure consistency across campuses.
• Lead evaluation and selection of instructional materials and digital learning resources.

Assessment & Accountability

• Oversee district assessment systems including state assessments local benchmarks and progress monitoring frameworks.
• Analyze district and campus data to identify trends gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal accountability requirements.
• Lead and monitor School Improvement Plans and Targeted Improvement Plans focused on student achievement data-informed instructional practices climate and culture leadership capacity and stakeholder engagement.

Leadership Development & Campus Support

• Provide coaching and strategic guidance to campus administrators to improve academic outcomes.
• Develop leadership pipelines and succession planning strategies for instructional roles.
• Facilitate principal professional learning focused on instructional leadership and student achievement.

Professional Learning & Capacity Building

• Design and oversee district professional learning systems aligned to academic priorities.
• Ensure professional development supports instructional rigor equity and teacher effectiveness.
• Monitor the impact of professional learning initiatives on student performance.

Fiscal & Operational Stewardship

• Develop and manage budgets aligned to instructional priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Allocate resources strategically to maximize student achievement and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state program funding requirements.

Family Community & Board Engagement

• Present academic reports and strategic updates to the Board of Trustees.
• Communicate district academic performance and improvement efforts to families and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with higher education institutions workforce partners governmental civic and community organizations to advance postsecondary readiness initiatives and broader district academic priorities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all district policies procedures and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Attend school board meetings community events and district activities as required.
• Engage in strategic planning leadership collaboration and continuous professional growth aligned with the goals of the department and district.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and district.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise evaluate and provide leadership development for assistant superintendent executive directors directors coordinators and other assigned instructional leadership staff.
• Recommend employment actions (hiring placement retention nonrenewal and dismissal) in accordance with district policy.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide or national travel; prolonged and irregular hours

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; interpret policy and data; manage multiple high-level initiatives simultaneously; make decisions impacting districtwide academic systems

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:
The Superintendent of Schools will recommend the appointment of this position to the Board of Trustees based on the applicants training experience and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.

Required Experience:

Chief