Chief of Academic Officer of School Improvement- Elementary K-6

Summary

Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer of School Improvement-Elementary Education (CAOSI) serves as the instructional leader for elementary education in the West Memphis School District, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across several divisions primarily supporting elementary education. Mindful of Arkansas's applicable laws, regulations, and policies, the CAOSI drives educational performance, providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction to improve student achievement across elementary schools.

This role requires a strong academic leader with expertise in building teams, integrating and managing large-scale district-wide initiatives, and implementing systems that enhance student outcomes. The CAOSI must possess deep knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, leadership development, school operations, and performance management.

The CAOSI serves on the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and Academic Leadership Team and is responsible for multiple initiatives within the District’s Strategic Plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and measurable goals for elementary education, ensuring alignment with district goals and state/national standards.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Early Childhood Division, Gifted and Talented Division, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, to ensure seamless and equitable support for schools.
• Establish policies and programs that foster academic excellence, equitable access to resources, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Serves on cross-functional teams to provide educational and managerial leadership that builds and supports a high-performing academic team.
• Develops and maintains clear and inclusive decision-making processes to integrate academic supports and services.
• Balances educational consistency across the District with appropriate school-level autonomy.
• Attends and presents at WMSD Board of Trustees meetings to inform decision-making and district priorities.

Principal Development & Instructional Leadership:

• Directly support and build the capacity of elementary school principals as equity-driven instructional leaders.
• Ensure principals and instructional leaders have the professional learning, coaching, and support necessary to drive high student achievement.
• Develop principal professional learning networks to foster collaboration and shared best practices across elementary schools.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, research-based curriculum and instructional practices.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to improve student outcomes.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness, monitor student progress, and make recommendations for instructional improvement.

Collaboration & Alignment:

• Collaborate with District central office departments, such as Human Resources, Information Technology, and Business to support initiatives and resources.
• Work closely with other district leaders to ensure alignment between elementary education and secondary education initiatives.
• Collaborate with district departments, including Student Development and Success, Special Education, and Student Services, to address diverse student needs.
• Foster relationships with families, community organizations, and stakeholders to support elementary student success.

Accountability & Continuous Improvement:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to principal leadership, teacher effectiveness, and student achievement.
• Use data and research to inform policies and practices that improve instructional quality and student outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies to address learning gaps and promote equity across all elementary schools.

Stewardship, Compliance, & Policy Implementation:

• Ensure district policies and state/federal regulations related to elementary education are implemented with fidelity.
• Lead efforts in securing and managing grants related to elementary education programs.
• Effectively manages district resources and budgets, including grants, to support instructional priorities.
• Ensures state, federal, and local compliance with education policies, laws, and grant requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: A Master’s Degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution. Proven documented academic success and Five (5) years(preferred) experience as a building-level principal.

Knowledge:

• Research-based curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment frameworks.
• Leadership development, coaching models, and adult learning principles.
• Federal and state education laws, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Equity-focused strategies to support diverse student populations and close achievement gaps.

Skills/Abilities

• Proven ability to coach principals and improve student outcomes.
• Leading district-wide instructional improvement efforts.
• Coaching and building the capacity of principals and academic leaders.
• Using data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness and student progress.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Effectively communicating and presenting complex educational initiatives.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, students, parents, and external organizations.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

Salary : $125,000 - $150,000