Job Title:  Chief Academic Officer

Reports to (Title):  Superintendent

Terms of Employment: 

Salary Scale: Administrative Salary Schedule

FLSA Status: Exempt

General Summary

Provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a challenging and rigorous instructional program for pre-K – grade 12 and adult education students.  Provides assistance to the superintendent in the administrative responsibilities concerning the district’s operation. Supervises certified staff and office professionals assigned to the instructional services division and information technology.

Essential Functions

• Supports and upholds the mission, vision and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One.
• Effectively interacts, communicates and collaborates with students, parents, colleagues and other stakeholders to foster student learning.
• Establishes a safe, supportive, positive and productive learning and working environment.
• Provides leadership in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive instructional program for pre-K – grade 12 and adult education students.  
• Provides leadership in ensuring an understanding of the educational philosophy and objectives of the district are communicated to all stakeholders.
• Assists in the coordination of the instructional program throughout the district through regular planning meetings with principals, assistant principals, coordinators, directors, etc.
• Participate in the District’s strategic planning, development, and goal achievement.
• Keeps abreast of current research and state/national information regarding sophisticated instructional programs in order to support best practices and to lead district efforts to strengthen and personalize curricular offerings.
• Provides leadership in integrating instructional programs among all schools and articulating curricula between grade levels and schools.  
• Provides leadership to ensure schools maintain satisfactory academic progress in the areas of individual student achievement, attendance, grades, student services, and graduation.
• Demonstrates and evaluates the effectiveness of both formative and summative assessments; analyzes assessment data in relation to student learning and develops instructional strategies to close the learning and performance gap.
• Supervises the development of a continuous professional learning program which allows teachers and administrators to gain expertise in meeting the needs of the students they serve.
• Advises the superintendent on issues requiring the board of trustees’ action relating to the district’s instructional program and leads the interpretation of curriculum and/or instructional changes and/or outcomes to the board, administration, staff, and the community.
• Supervises the articulation of special state/federal programs in the district, to include budget preparation and monitoring of program expenditures.
• Assists the superintendent and the chief human resources officer in the employment/evaluation of school principals.
• Provides daily supervision and evaluation of the work and professional growth of coordinators, directors and office professionals assigned to the division of instructional services and information technology.
• Interprets and implements the policies, regulations and directives of the district and the South Carolina Department of Education; monitors compliance with local board policies, state/federal regulations, and regional accreditation standards.
• Plans and assists the administrators in new schools in the design and implementation of the instructional program (including the procurement of supplies/equipment).
• Receives, reviews, recommends and/or approves various records and documents such as purchase requests, school budget requests, staffing requests, instructional committee reports, state/federal special program budgets, school/district improvement reports, instructional budget accounts, board agenda items, etc.
• Interacts with a variety of groups and individuals such as the board of trustees, district and state personnel and staff, parents, students and the general public.
• Participates in board meetings, professional meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops.

• Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, and coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner.

• Selects and requests instructional aides, technology tools, equipment, and supplies needed for daily activities; provides for safe storage and proper use of all materials, equipment and tools.
• Effectively uses personal computing devices and software applications for the management of daily activities.
• Meets with parents, administrators, teachers, school counselors, etc. as needed to discuss student performance, activities, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, practices and activities of the school district which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.  Knowledge of and ability to interpret, apply and adhere to all applicable federal, state, district, and local policies, regulations and procedures.  Extensive knowledge in the planning, implementation and supervision of school district educational programs and services.  Knowledge of and ability to implement the principles of management, supervision and administration relating to the budgetary, planning, staffing and financial aspects of the job.  Knowledge of the required records, reports, documents, and related information which must be prepared and maintained. Ability to prepare and monitor instructional program operational budgets.  Superior communication, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, administrative and leadership skills. Knowledge of and ability to implement curriculum development techniques and design.  Ability to analyze formative and summative data to identify strengths and weaknesses.  Ability to provide instruction and guidance to coordinators, administrators, teachers and instructional support staff, students, parents and office professionals.  Knowledge of counseling methods necessary for handling student academic and adjustment problems. Knowledge of student services available and referral procedures.  Ability to demonstrate high level application of technology devices in the performance of daily activities.  Ability to interact and communicate effectively with all stakeholders involved in the activities of the job.  

Working Conditions

Work is conducted primarily indoors with no significant exposure to adverse environmental conditions.  Requires ability to perform duties that require constant attention, accuracy and/or tight deadlines.  Moderate exertion in lifting and moving items weighing up to twenty-five pounds.  Local travel and some overnight travel required.

Responsibility

Responsible for adherence to all policies, rules and regulations applicable to the operation of the district’s instructional program. Responsible for supervision of coordinators, directors, office professionals and all other staff as assigned.  Responsible for the development and monitoring of the instructional services budget.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on Evaluation of Administrative Staff.

Disclaimer Statement

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties.  The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required.