Chief Academic Officer

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JOB DESCRIPTION

• Job ID: 4887
• Position Type: Administration/Chief Officer
• Date Posted: 1/24/2025
• Location: District Office
• Date Available: 06/01/2025
• Closing Date: 02/28/205
• Reports To: Superintendent of Schools
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Job Family: Administrative/Professional/Technical
• Pay Range: APT 15
• Prepared/Revised Date: January 24, 2025
• Job Code: APT131
• Work Calendar: 260
• Supervision: Department of Instruction Employees 

SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) coordinates the strategic vision and direction for Weld RE-4 Schools’ academic programs and is a key component to accomplish the District’s academic goals. The CAO is the leader and spokesperson for the Office of Academics, which includes Exceptional Student Services, Instruction, Mental Health and Wellness and Organizational Learning and Development. This role develops the short- and long-term vision and works to establish a culture of high expectations and shared responsibility for equitable access to high-quality instruction. The CAO works to create authentic partnerships between District offices and schools to ensure closer alignment of District resources with school needs, to implement an instructional plan for the District that ensures effective teaching in every classroom, and to create conditions that ensure systemic improvement of practice over time in every classroom. The CAO is responsible for all instructional functions, including K-12 curriculum and instruction, professional development, student services, special education, family engagement, CTE, gifted and talented, and college and career readiness. This position requires a strong instructional foundation; requiring the incumbent to stay current on instructional administration techniques and programs throughout the state and nation, incorporating findings into the local organization where appropriate. As a member of Advisory Council, this role will be responsible for the academic portion of enacting the School Board and Superintendent’s vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Implements and helps develop, in coordination with Advisory Council and the Superintendent, a strategic plan inclusive of goals and strategies to ensure equitable standards-aligned instruction for every student.

• Assists school leadership with coordination of efforts for school improvement.
• Develops and supports guidance for standards aligned instruction across the district.
• Supports a whole child approach that acknowledges the importance of both academic and behavioral aspects through the Graduate Profile.
• Analyzes data and develops strategies to coordinate supports for staff to develop high impact instructional practices and utilize resources leading to improved student outcomes for all students, including students who need intervention and students who need extensions.
• Develops processes and protocols that need to be aligned between the departments within the Office of Academics and acts as a liaison between Advisory Council and department staff. 
• Ensures development of Standard Operating Procedures in the Office of Academics.
• Communicates academic achievement outcomes and progress to various stakeholders (i.e., Board of Education, principals, teachers, parents, and community groups).
• Approves departmental budgets and requests within the Office of Academics and aligns budget with needs across the district.
• Works with external groups, including the Weld RE-4 Education Foundation, vendors, and grant managers to support the strategic plan of Weld RE-4.
• Collaborate with school systems, community agencies, local universities, and research laboratories to promote shared learning as aligned with district goals and needs.
• Monitors the coordination of all District professional development efforts with the Director of Organizational Learning and Development.
• Monitors compliance with all legal requirements and School Board policy within the Office of Academics.
• Works with other departments and schools to implement initiatives as appropriate.
• Primary evaluator for elementary principals.

Serves as the official Accountability contact for Weld RE-4.

• Directs and supports school leadership to complete the required improvement planning process.
• Communicates with district charter schools regarding state assessments and required reporting.
• Gathers feedback from schools and stakeholders on strengths, needs and next steps for continuous improvement.
• Coordinates the District Accountability Committee and supports School Accountability Committees as needed. 

Serves as the Authorized Representative of the Local Education Agency (Weld RE-4) for federal programs.

• Utilizes the grants management system for Colorado Department of Education (GAINS).
• Complete the Consolidated Application for Title programs with Business Services.
• Lead the communication and programming for all Title I schools with school leadership and personnel.
• Ensure that a variety of stakeholders have input on federal program funding and plans.
• Supports monitoring of Equitable Distribution of Teachers with Human Resources personnel. 

Other duties:

• Required to work on-site, in-person, during regular business hours and as needed.
• Act as liaison to the Colorado Department of Education and other external educational groups in support of best practices for programs as assigned.
• Work with staff, parents, and community groups to solve curriculum issues, and needs, and build a knowledge base.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Educational Administration or Curriculum Development required, Ed.D. or Ph.D. preferred.
• A minimum of five years of administration experience required.
• Elementary principal experience preferred. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Criminal background check
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License
• Valid Professional Colorado Department of Education Principal or Administrator’s License 

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to communicate with staff, parents, and community.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to set high standards and achieve them.
• Knowledge of current Weld RE-4 vision and strategic goals.
• A belief that all students are capable of learning.
• Human relation skills.
• Knowledge of Every Student Exceeds Act (ESSA) federal regulations/mandates.
• Commitment to providing personal and professional excellence.
• Ability to effectively train district staff, administrators, and teachers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to participate and working a team environment.
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of the job.
• Ability and willingness adhere to attendance requirements, including regular and punctual employee presence.
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education and Superintendent policies, and build department procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator. 

BENEFITS

Weld RE-4 School District offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as other programs for benefit-eligible employees. In addition, 401(k), 403(b) & 457(b) plans are available to all employees regardless of hours worked and are available immediately (upon hire date). Paid leave is provided based on the employee's benefit eligibility status and work calendar. To learn more about our benefits, please see the benefit schedule on our website