Chief Academic Officer

Position: Chief Academic Officer

Department: Academic

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time)

Hours: Full-Time Flexible (9-5; 10-6; 11-7; 12-8)

_Purpose of Position_

The Next Step Public Charter School has served as a leader in Adult Basic Education in the District for over 20 years. As we prepare for and implement strategic imperatives focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation, the role of Chief Academic Officer remains a critical function for the execution of the reaccreditation process, alignment of curricular and co-curricular experiences and instructional leadership. The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for providing leadership in the development and execution of academic programs across The Next Step Public Charter School community. It is expected that this leader demonstrates a high level of independent, ethical, collaborative, and professional conduct. This leadership function will help ensure consistency across academic programs, including the implementation of Labs, _Early College_, and other elements of our strategic initiatives.

_Duties and Responsibilities_

VISION, ALIGNMENT, AND ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

Provides leadership and maintains an in-depth knowledge and understanding of The Next Step PCS's charter accountability goals, Adult Basic Education (ABE) Performance Management Framework (PMF) and school-wide measures of accountability, with which anticipates, discusses, and addresses opportunities and interventions as they arise.

Manages, coaches, supports and evaluates instructional leaders, including Principal(s) and Department Chair(s) functions, in accordance with key performance targets, professional competencies, and areas of continued growth.

Fosters a work environment that is student-centered, results-oriented, and focused on instructional improvements and increased student achievement for every learner.

Prepares and monitors a singular academic division budget including Day, Early College, and Night program instructional needs, with support from instructional leaders.

Provides support for the execution of existing and new initiatives through the collection, preparation, captures and reports feedback to inform course-corrections or evaluation.

Provides leadership in the creation of grant applications in support of the academic vision for The Next Step PCS, including efforts to support Talent and Outcomes developing personal and professional growth for self and others by participating in professional associations, attending educational conferences, reading and discussing selected professional publications.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY, STRATEGY, AND INNOVATION

Supports the capacity building among teachers, support personnel and school administrators to implement effective instructional programs which includes: implementation of a written, taught, and assessed curriculum; delivery of tiered remedial supports which enable students to receive appropriate support within and beyond the classroom; and establish and maintain a dynamic Professional Learning Community where teachers can effectively collaborate, plan, share best practices, assess and respond to instructional needs of every student;

Attends and supports the Executive Director in preparation for meetings of The Next Step PCS Board of Directors, including preparation and presentation of reports as request.

Conducts research and solicits best practices within The Next Step and among peer institutions, including inquiry to determine feasibility of new academic-focused interventions, resources, and/or approaches.

Researches and leverages strategic partnerships within the immediate and surrounding community, focused on academic excellence, student, and instructional outcomes.

Ensures school-wide teaching and learning goals, strategic objectives, initiatives, strategies, and priorities identified within The Next Step PCS are fully implemented and experience iterative cycles of feedback to support continuous improvement.

Maintains liaison with professional civic, volunteer and other community agencies and groups having an interest in education facilitating working relationships with university faculty and leadership to support the implementation of Early College, as well as advancement in college readiness rigor across the school community.

Other duties as assigned.

_Professional Competencies_

It is also very important that the Chief Academic Officer possess the following criteria:

Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and a school-wide commitment to Restorative Practices.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Suite products.

Savvy in managing competing priorities, diverse learning and professional communities, building rapport, fostering innovation, and leading through uncertainty.

Ability to understand, apply information, and contribute to strategic initiatives.

_Skills and Qualifications_

Master's Degree in Education or closely related field from accredited college or university required.

Certification in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, literacy or related field of study preferred.

Minimum of three - five (3-5) years of full-time teaching experience.

Minimum of three (3) years of administrative experience at school and/or system level.

Proven ability in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to standards, including but not limited to implementing and evaluating academic programs; leading and facilitating collaboration among departments, and analyzing and utilizing data effectively to improve instruction.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of research-based instructional practices/strategies in the areas of Adult Basic Education, response to intervention, ELL instruction, supplemental instructional, differentiation.

Proven ability to improve student academic achievement by executing instructional programs effectively, building highly functional instructional leadership teams, professional learning communities (PLCs) and making data-driven decisions.

Bilingual (English and Spanish required); additional language fluency preferred.

_General responsibilities of all staff members_

As a member of The Next Step staff this position involves the following:

Fully embrace and promote The Next Step's mission and values.

Develop and maintain positive and supportive relationships with all students.

Consistently implement school-wide expectations in classrooms and common areas.

Participate actively in regular meetings, including staff meetings, step meetings, and Student Support Team.

Participate actively in special events, including field trips, community days, college tours, graduations, etc.;

Participate actively in school responsibilities such as hallway and lunch supervision;

Work cooperatively with colleagues to develop and implement effective and relevant policies;

Adhere to school policies as described in personnel manual and/or staff handbook;

Reflect upon performance, set goals for improvement, and take advantage of training; opportunities to learn and implement effective strategies;

Maintain an organized, clean, and inviting work area.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift

Education:
Master's (Preferred)

Experience:
Administrative experience: 3 years (Required)
Teaching: 3 years (Required)

Language:
Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: One location