POSITION DESCRIPTION 

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for assisting the Superintendent with leadership and  supervision in developing, achieving, and enhancing educational programs and related services and  develops measures to track and evaluate progress of system wide educational programs. This position  supervises areas including, but not limited to, instructional improvement, curriculum and instruction,  exceptional children services, academically gifted services, co-curricular activities, and support  services. The CAO also administers school improvement efforts and addresses academic concerns of  teachers, parents, administrators, students and the community. The Chief Academic Officer assumes a  leadership role on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, assisting with long-range strategic planning,  developing system-wide budgets, plans, policies and activities. The CAO has primary authority and  accountability to implement a vertically aligned curriculum and assessment system. The CAO leads  the educational performance of the district through a clear vision and strategic direction for the  district’s curriculum, instruction, and school improvement initiatives; designs and implements  professional development that provides educators with understanding of instructional best practices; with other leaders around issues of instructional quality. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Thorough knowledge of PreK-12 curriculum and instruction 
• Knowledge of school system budgeting process 
• Thorough knowledge of Orange County Schools Board of Education policies and the ability to interpret and enforce them 
• Proven ability to develop and deliver programming that drives improved academic performance  for all student populations and knows effective practice for differentiating instruction 
• Deep understanding of curricular frameworks, pedagogy, and quality classroom materials; experience developing and implementing curriculum for a wide variety of grade levels and  subjects  
• Strong knowledge of high-quality instructional practices and the ability to lead others to implement these practices consistently across classrooms and school sites  
• Thorough knowledge of effective instruction and knowledge of current theories of curriculum instruction and assessment  
• Ability to prepare, read, interpret and comprehend a variety of job related forms, terminology, reports, spreadsheets, mathematical formulas, maps, plans, records, documentation and  correspondence as required by the job and to communicate findings effectively 
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to present effectively to individuals or groups of various sizes Responsive to inquiries  and/or complaints in a timely manner 
• Able to remove and/or address barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve  their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed 
• Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.  
• Exhibit sensitivity to cultural differences in the schools, school system offices, and community
• Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change 
• Excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person’s skills and contribution to  team effort 
• Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but  not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in school administration or related field  
• Additional course work required for licensure as Principal or District-Level Administrator. 
• Demonstrated success leading strategic educational initiatives.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 

• North Carolina Administrator License
• Have appropriate maintenance of administrative continuing education requirement.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle license administered by the State of North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in Education, School Administration or Public Administration 
• Curriculum/Instructional Specialist Certification 
• Administrator Certification 
• Successful experience as a Principal 
• Ten or more years of experience as a school administrator including knowledge of academic and accountability testing 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supervise Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development to improve school achievement 
2. Provide vision and strategic direction (- for the district’s curriculum, instruction and school  improvement initiatives, aligned with the long term strategy to improve student achievement and narrow the achievement gap between racial, ethnic and economic groups.  
3. Build and lead a highly effective, innovative academic services department including re envisioning the current team, roles and responsibilities as necessary  
4. Reduce the variability in curricula, instruction, and assessment and implement a vertically aligned curriculum and assessment system 
5. Develop and monitor accountability systems and evaluation rubrics and leverage data to inform strategic direction 
6. Collaborate with schools to develop instructional programs and implement reform models  designed to improve achievement of all students 
7. Serve as the key spokesperson to the Superintendent, Advisory Board and the community regarding academic and educational issues.  
8. Serve as the district representative regarding academic affairs in meetings with governmental,  legislative and business and community meetings  
9. Provide direction in and maintain current knowledge of educational reform and instructional best  practices in all aspects of PreK-12 public education 
10. Ensure district compliance with State regulations and policies in monitoring, assessment, and reporting for all academic programs  
11. Direct the planning, organization, administration and fiscal management of all aspects of the  district’s curriculum and instruction program 
12. Prepares and delivers written and oral presentation regarding the academic program and  accountability to the Board of Education, principals, staff, parents and community groups
13. Attends regular meeting of the Board of Education 
14. Effectively conducts staff meetings 
15. Supervises and conducts personnel administration for direct subordinates, including hiring and firing, evaluation, assigning special duties, monitoring attendance and travel reports and granting leave 
16. Provides leadership and supervision to central office staff and coordinates efforts with principals to insure the successful operation of instructional programs in the district schools
17. Provides input on professional development activities for the district
18. Monitors the latest research, trends and development in education and interprets these matters for  the Superintendent, Cabinet, Board of Education and staff members 
19. Serves as a liaison for social, professional, civic, volunteer and other community agencies and  groups having an interest in schools 
20. Coordinates, facilitates, manages and supervises activities of staff and reports on the status of  services 
21. Provides leadership for the district accreditation process 
22. Oversees the foreign exchange student program 
23. Coordinates the School Improvement Plan process 
24. Oversees various budgets related to the instructional program and professional development
25. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent 

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this  position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and  skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with  HR review and approval, any time.

200 E. King St., Hillsborough, NC 27278 Version 10/6/2017