Chief Academic Officer

Title: Chief Academic Officer

Description

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as a key member of the Superintendents Cabinet and provides strategic leadership and management for the Districts instructional framework including curriculum instruction and assessment. The CAO leads and manages programs and processes that support high-quality teaching and learning across the District including oversight of Special Services (special education and gifted) as well as federal bilingual and Native American this role the CAO promotes access to educational opportunities and ensures accountability for improving student achievement and closing achievement gaps.

The CAO collaborates closely with the Superintendent District leadership and school administrators to implement the Districts strategic plan and to ensure that instructional initiatives are aligned executed with fidelity and supported by data-driven decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree required; doctorate or advanced leadership training preferred;
• Minimum of eight (8) years of successful leadership and management experience in education preferred;
• Successful school-based administrative leadership experience required;
• Must hold a New Mexico Administrative License;
• Demonstrated ability to lead supervise and motivate a high-performing team focused on curriculum instruction special services and program implementation;
• Thorough understanding of curriculum development instructional practices assessment systems and student support services in general education special education and career and technical education;
• Knowledge of effective school improvement strategies and organizational change management;
• Knowledge of applicable local state and federal laws and regulations affecting public education in New Mexico;
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills including the ability to establish program priorities and evaluate performance outcomes;
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with administrators staff families community partners and government officials;
• High level of proficiency in the use of technology data systems and data analysis to support instructional decision-making; and
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Reports to the Superintendent to develop implement and monitor instructional improvement initiatives and programs; keeps the Superintendent and Board of Education informed regarding program status implementation timelines and outcomes;
• Serves as a member of the Superintendents Cabinet and collaborates with executive leadership to implement the districts strategic plan as it relates to teaching and learning;
• Supervises designated departments and programs which may include Special Services; Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction; Federal Bilingual and Native American Programs; and Instructional Technology;
  (Note: supervisory assignments may change as part of District reorganization.)
• Supervises and supports departments and executive directors to build a high-performing aligned Central Services leadership team focused on results and service to schools;
• Develops short- and long-term strategies for curriculum instruction assessment special education and educational programming aligned with District goals and state and federal requirements;
• Oversees Special Services including special education and gifted programs ensuring high-quality inclusive instruction and supports that meet the diverse needs of all learners;
• Coordinates with Cabinet leaders to establish timelines for district initiatives and regularly reviews progress and outcomes;
• Leads and manages curriculum and instruction programs that impact teaching and learning across the district ensuring the availability of appropriate instructional materials and resources.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative research-based instructional practices across the District;
• Ensures district programs align with New Mexico academic standards accountability systems rules and regulations;
• Promotes high levels of academic rigor and supports the implementation of instructional programs designed to improve student achievement;
• Helps coordinate professional learning opportunities for teachers administrators and staff to support instructional excellence and continuous improvement;
• Provides guidance and support to principals and program leaders regarding instructional practices educational programs and special education implementation and compliance;
• Promotes continuous improvement in schools through research-based strategies and data-informed decision-making;
• Identifies and monitors strategies designed to close achievement gaps among disaggregated student populations;
• Develops management systems to ensure accountability for curriculum and instruction programs and supports independent evaluation of program effectiveness;
• Establishes clear expectations for program benchmarks and ensures compliance with state and federal program requirements and deadlines;
• Works collaboratively with other district departments to ensure schools are environments where teaching is supported and student learning is maximized;
• Collaborates with district leaders on facilities planning to ensure new and renovated schools support instructional goals and student social-emotional needs;
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with governmental agencies community organizations and educational partners;
• Helps develop and implement communication strategies to engage families staff and community stakeholders regarding instructional programs and initiatives;
• Collaborates with district leadership in the development and monitoring of the districts budget;
• Establishes program priorities and allocates resources to support district instructional goals and strategic initiatives;
• Demonstrates the willingness to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines;
• Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules administrative directives and regulations school board policies and local state and federal regulations;
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Superintendent; and
• Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the District during the term of employment.

Application Procedure:

The following documents must be attached to complete this application:

• One (1) transcript from each crediting college or university;
• Copy of professional license(s);
• Resume;
• Letter of Interest; and
• 3 current signed/dated letters of recommendation.

This posting will close end of business on May 1 2026.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Required Experience:

Chief