Washoe County School District
Chief Academic Officer of Secondary Education - Leadership Team
Washoe County School District, Reno, Nevada, United States, 89550
CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
SUMMARY Reporting directly to the Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Secondary Education serves as the instructional leader for secondary education in the Washoe County School District, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across several divisions primarily supporting secondary education. Mindful of Nevada Revised Statute, Nevada Administrative Code, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies, the CAO drives educational performance, providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction to improve student achievement across secondary 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 CAO must possess deep knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, leadership development, school operations, and performance management.
The CAO 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 secondary education, ensuring alignment with district goals and state / national standards.
Provide leadership and oversight of Career and Technical Education, Student Enrollment and Records, Instruction, and Assessment, and Area Superintendents to ensure seamless and equitable support for schools with additional secondary oversite of Student Athletics, Clubs and Activities, After School Programs, Extended Studies, and Music and Fine Arts.
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 WCSD Board of Trustees meetings to inform decision-making and district priorities.
Principal Development & Instructional Leadership
Directly support and build the capacity of secondary Area Superintendents and 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 secondary 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 secondary 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 secondary schools.
Stewardship, Compliance, & Policy Implementation
Ensure district policies and state / federal regulations related to secondary education are implemented with fidelity.
Lead efforts in securing and managing grants related to secondary education programs.
Effectively manages district resources and budgets exceeding $20 million, including grants, to support instructional priorities.
Ensures state, federal, and local compliance with education policies, laws, and grant requirements.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Education / Experience : Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain that knowledge and skills would be :
A Master's Degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Doctorate is preferred.
AND 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.
License / Certificate A valid Nevada teaching license, valid driver license, and Nevada School Administrator Endorsement.
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.
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SUMMARY Reporting directly to the Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Secondary Education serves as the instructional leader for secondary education in the Washoe County School District, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across several divisions primarily supporting secondary education. Mindful of Nevada Revised Statute, Nevada Administrative Code, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies, the CAO drives educational performance, providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction to improve student achievement across secondary 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 CAO must possess deep knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, leadership development, school operations, and performance management.
The CAO 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 secondary education, ensuring alignment with district goals and state / national standards.
Provide leadership and oversight of Career and Technical Education, Student Enrollment and Records, Instruction, and Assessment, and Area Superintendents to ensure seamless and equitable support for schools with additional secondary oversite of Student Athletics, Clubs and Activities, After School Programs, Extended Studies, and Music and Fine Arts.
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 WCSD Board of Trustees meetings to inform decision-making and district priorities.
Principal Development & Instructional Leadership
Directly support and build the capacity of secondary Area Superintendents and 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 secondary 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 secondary 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 secondary schools.
Stewardship, Compliance, & Policy Implementation
Ensure district policies and state / federal regulations related to secondary education are implemented with fidelity.
Lead efforts in securing and managing grants related to secondary education programs.
Effectively manages district resources and budgets exceeding $20 million, including grants, to support instructional priorities.
Ensures state, federal, and local compliance with education policies, laws, and grant requirements.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Education / Experience : Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain that knowledge and skills would be :
A Master's Degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Doctorate is preferred.
AND 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.
License / Certificate A valid Nevada teaching license, valid driver license, and Nevada School Administrator Endorsement.
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.
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