Chief Academic Officer

Title:

Chief Academic Officer

Reports to:

Superintendent

Term of Employment:

12 months

Exempt or Non-Exempt:

Exempt

Salary:

Based on State and Local Salary Schedules

General Definition of Work

The Chief Academic Officer, under minimal supervision, performs district level work with extensive decision-making discretion overseeing the day-to-day educational programs of the school system. This includes providing leadership and oversight in the areas of Career and Technical Education, Student Services, Federal Programs, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Learning, Exceptional Children's Services, Research, Accountability and Technology. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to a wide variety of programs and activities under the direction of the Superintendent.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs/staff in the district
• Knowledge of Academic Departments and Technology
• Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements
• Direct and lead the development of goals, the preparation of short and long-range plans, and the implementation of programs and services
• Communicate/problem solve with parents and other community members and conducts presentations, information sharing services, and classes for adult audiences
• Manage and evaluate district wide day-to-day academic services
• Remain abreast of and interpret laws, regulations, statutes, rules, and policies affecting areas of responsibility
• Serve as the superintendent's designee on all student related assignments and transfers
• Maintain visibility in schools, areas of business operations and community
• Serve, upon assignment by the superintendent, as a resource person to various public interest groups
• Attend meetings in the absence of the superintendent to represent the district, making presentations and respond to public inquiries
• Report to the superintendent on the status of district programs and initiatives
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Facilitate and oversee the departmental budget and approve all expenditures
• Participate in professional learning workshops and leadership training
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public-school system policies
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school systems
• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education or related area required
• Master's degree in School Administration or related area required
• NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) required
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience as building (multiple levels preferred) or district administrator preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a NC Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force
• Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
• Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work
• Ability to move to other work locations
• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, use of advanced technology
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
• Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Updated 07/2026