AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District
Chief Academic Officer
Category: Classified Management
Work Year: 12 months
Employment Type: Full Time
Starting Salary: Director Level, Step 5 and above
Supervisor: Superintendent
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as a member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all academic programs, instructional services, student support services, and educational initiatives. The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for ensuring high-quality teaching and learning experiences, promoting student achievement and well-being, supporting equitable outcomes, and advancing organizational goals through effective instructional and student support systems.
The Chief Academic Officer provides leadership for curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, student services, special education, multilingual learner programs, extended learning opportunities, and community school initiatives while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
Serve as a member of the Superintendent's executive leadership team.
Advise the Superintendent on academic, instructional, and student support matters.
Develop and implement strategic plans to improve student achievement, educational outcomes, and organizational effectiveness.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align instructional and student support services with organizational goals and priorities.
Present academic programs, student performance data, and recommendations to governing boards, leadership teams, and stakeholders.
Lead organizational initiatives focused on continuous improvement and educational excellence.
Supervises Directors, Instructional Supervisors, Facilitators, Coordinators
Provide leadership and support for charter authorization, charter renewal, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and related governance and partnership agreements.
Oversee organizational data systems, performance monitoring, accountability measures, and reporting frameworks to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives with external agencies, educational institutions, county offices of education, Oakland Unified School District, and community organizations.
Develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets and ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.
Lead special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational priorities as assigned by the Superintendent.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
Academic Leadership
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and educational programs.
Ensure the implementation of rigorous, standards-aligned instructional practices.
Develop systems to monitor and improve student achievement and academic outcomes.
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional initiatives.
Promote innovation, equity, and excellence in teaching and learning.
Support the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
Enures and directs and coaches school leaders on managing various aspects of the instructional program, including planning, staffing, curriculum, and assessment with the AIMS K-12 mission and vision.
Ensures the schools leadership are following through on the school goals for student achievement and performance with Alameda County Education and local authorizers.
Curriculum, Assessment, and Professional Learning
Oversee curriculum development, adoption, implementation, and evaluation processes.
Direct assessment systems and the analysis of student performance data.
Develop and implement comprehensive professional learning programs.
Support instructional leaders and educators through coaching and capacity-building initiatives.
Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Promote data-informed decision-making practices throughout the organization.
Ensure that data, evaluations and informed practices are being carried out through metric and review of collaboration between Head of Schools K-8, Head of Schools 9-12th, MTSS Director and school community.
Coordinates and supervises all academic district professional development and organizational improvement.
Student Services and Supports
Provide executive oversight of student support services and programs.
Ensure effective implementation of programs designed to support student academic, behavioral, social, and emotional success.
Collaborate with educational leaders to develop integrated systems of support.
Monitor student outcomes and program effectiveness.
Promote equitable access to educational opportunities and support services.
Reviews high quality instruction and provides feedback to MTSS Director and school learners on program effectiveness or change management needed for academic program success in alignment with MOU metrics, LCAP, SPSA, Charter Petition requirements and overall program evaluation.
Special Education and Multilingual Programs
Oversee special education programs and services.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements related to special education and student services.
Provide oversight of multilingual learner programs and services.
Support inclusive educational practices and equitable access to instruction.
Monitor student progress and program effectiveness.
Ensure appropriate staffing, resources, and support systems.
Extended Learning and Community Programs
Provide oversight of expanded learning opportunities and out-of-school programs.
Support community school initiatives and partnerships.
Coordinate academic intervention and enrichment programs.
Promote collaboration among schools, families, and community organizations.
Develop systems that support whole-child educational outcomes.
Strategic Planning and Organizational Improvement
Lead strategic planning initiatives related to academics and student support services.
Analyze student performance and organizational data to identify trends and opportunities.
Develop and monitor performance indicators and accountability systems.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and program evaluations.
Promote innovation, collaboration, and organizational learning.
Vision or academic program success in alignment with LCAP, MOU metrics being met and Charter petition district wide implementation and academic program improvement.
Assures the filing of all legal and regulatory documents and monitors compliance with relevant laws and regulations for all school site academic and operational requirements.
Works with the Board to oversee the growth of the school to ensure Charter petition and MOU is met in accordance to Academic requirements and implementation.
Helps the Executive Director and board determine the school’s vision, overall direction, and short- and long-term goals.
Oversees the charter renewal and site visit process and development of the school's Annual Report.
Develops, implements, and ensures adherence to the school’s accountability plan.
Collaborate with the Compliance/HR team to ensure proper performance management or employee related matters are properly addressed.
Attend monthly board meetings
Qualifications
Qualifications
Masters Degree in leadership or education preferred but not required
3-5 years in leading an educational services department for a public or charter school district.
3 years of administrative experience in the educational environment.
Experience supervising multiple functional areas and professional staff.
Possession of a current and valid driver’s license issued by the State of California.
Successful clearance of Department of Justice fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening protocols.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including travel between sites, attendance at meetings and events, and use of standard office technology.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of equipment.
Use clear, concise oral and written communication skills and communicate effectively with a diverse population of staff and students.
Sit for extended periods of time with intermittent walking.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in leadership or education
- 3-5 years leading an educational services department for a public or charter school district
- 3 years of administrative experience in an educational environment
- Experience supervising multiple functional areas and professional staff
- Current and valid driver's license issued by the State of California
- Successful completion of Department of Justice fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening protocols
- Ability to travel between school sites and attend meetings and events
- Ability to use standard office technology
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of equipment
- Clear, concise oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse staff and students
- Ability to sit for extended periods with intermittent walking
What We Do
A tuition-free public charter school based in Oakland, California, founded in 1996 by Native American families to maintain cultural connections for their children. It has since evolved into a comprehensive K-12 institution serving approximately 1,300 students. AIMS focuses on cultivating a community of diverse learners who achieve academic excellence and preparing them for lifelong success through innovative instruction and social responsibility.
