Pawtucket School Department
Position Type:
Administration/Director
Date Posted: 7/9/2025
Location: Pawtucket School Department Chief Academic Officer (12-month position)
The Pawtucket School Department seeks a visionary, equity-driven, and results-oriented instructional leader to serve as its Chief Academic Officer (CAO). As a key member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, the CAO will shape and drive the academic vision and strategy across the district to ensure that every student - regardless of background - has access to rigorous, high-quality instruction and the supports necessary to thrive.
This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational work in an urban district committed to innovation, equity, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Instructional Leadership. Develop and implement a comprehensive academic strategy aligned with the district's goals for excellence, equity, and whole-child development. Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of the district's curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems. Build capacity across schools to support standards-aligned, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices.
System-Wide Coordination:
Supervise departments including Teaching and Learning, School Transformation, Special Education, Social & Emotional Learning, Technical Education, and MTSS. Oversee the development and deployment of district-wide instructional frameworks, tools, and resources. Ensure coherence and alignment across content areas, grade levels, and school types (elementary, middle, and high school).
Talent Development & School Support:
Support and coach school leaders in implementing high-impact instructional practices and data-driven decision-making. Design and deliver professional learning systems for teachers, instructional coaches, and principals. Champion a culture of continuous improvement through clear metrics and collaborative cycles of review.
Data, Equity, and Accountability:
Analyze student achievement data to identify strengths, gaps, and trends in academic outcomes across schools and subgroups. Collaborate with the Office of Data & Accountability to measure progress and make informed decisions. Prioritize equity by dismantling barriers to access and opportunity for historically underserved students.
Partnership and Communication:
Build trust and strong working relationships with school leaders, teachers, central office departments, families, and community stakeholders. Represent the district with state and local education agencies and key external partners. Communicate a clear academic vision internally and externally, ensuring alignment across initiatives.
Qualifications: (Required):
Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field. Rhode Island Building Administrator or District Administrator certification (or eligibility). Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience at the school or district level, including experience supervising principals or managing academic departments. Proven track record of improving student academic outcomes in an urban school district. : Doctorate in Education or related field. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency. Experience with turnaround or school improvement strategies. Deep understanding of the needs of multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty.
Personal Attributes:
Passionate advocate for equity and excellence for all students. Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow-through. Culturally responsive and reflective practitioner. Collaborative leader who inspires, supports, and holds others accountable. Data-informed decision-maker.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit:
Cover letter Resume Three current letters of reference Proof of certifications
Salary:
$140,000-$145,000
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.
Date Posted: 7/9/2025
Location: Pawtucket School Department Chief Academic Officer (12-month position)
The Pawtucket School Department seeks a visionary, equity-driven, and results-oriented instructional leader to serve as its Chief Academic Officer (CAO). As a key member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, the CAO will shape and drive the academic vision and strategy across the district to ensure that every student - regardless of background - has access to rigorous, high-quality instruction and the supports necessary to thrive.
This is a unique opportunity to lead transformational work in an urban district committed to innovation, equity, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Instructional Leadership. Develop and implement a comprehensive academic strategy aligned with the district's goals for excellence, equity, and whole-child development. Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of the district's curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems. Build capacity across schools to support standards-aligned, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices.
System-Wide Coordination:
Supervise departments including Teaching and Learning, School Transformation, Special Education, Social & Emotional Learning, Technical Education, and MTSS. Oversee the development and deployment of district-wide instructional frameworks, tools, and resources. Ensure coherence and alignment across content areas, grade levels, and school types (elementary, middle, and high school).
Talent Development & School Support:
Support and coach school leaders in implementing high-impact instructional practices and data-driven decision-making. Design and deliver professional learning systems for teachers, instructional coaches, and principals. Champion a culture of continuous improvement through clear metrics and collaborative cycles of review.
Data, Equity, and Accountability:
Analyze student achievement data to identify strengths, gaps, and trends in academic outcomes across schools and subgroups. Collaborate with the Office of Data & Accountability to measure progress and make informed decisions. Prioritize equity by dismantling barriers to access and opportunity for historically underserved students.
Partnership and Communication:
Build trust and strong working relationships with school leaders, teachers, central office departments, families, and community stakeholders. Represent the district with state and local education agencies and key external partners. Communicate a clear academic vision internally and externally, ensuring alignment across initiatives.
Qualifications: (Required):
Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field. Rhode Island Building Administrator or District Administrator certification (or eligibility). Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience at the school or district level, including experience supervising principals or managing academic departments. Proven track record of improving student academic outcomes in an urban school district. : Doctorate in Education or related field. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency. Experience with turnaround or school improvement strategies. Deep understanding of the needs of multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty.
Personal Attributes:
Passionate advocate for equity and excellence for all students. Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow-through. Culturally responsive and reflective practitioner. Collaborative leader who inspires, supports, and holds others accountable. Data-informed decision-maker.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit:
Cover letter Resume Three current letters of reference Proof of certifications
Salary:
$140,000-$145,000
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.