Chief Academic Officer

Medford SD 549C Job Description Our Mission

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Chief Academic Officer

Superintendent

Executive Management

Exempt

260

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as the district’s senior executive leader for teaching and learning and as a key member of the Superintendent’s senior leadership team. The CAO provides strategic leadership and system wide oversight of all academic programs and instructional services, ensuring measurable improvement in student outcomes across the district.

This position oversees the district’s academic division, including direct supervision of the Executive Directors of Elementary and Secondary Teaching & Learning. The CAO is responsible for aligning curriculum, assessment, professional learning, school improvement efforts, and special education services into a coherent PK–12 instructional system grounded in evidence-based practice and data-informed decision making.

The CAO works within policies established by the Superintendent and Board of Education and is accountable for delivering durable academic systems that produce consistent, measurable results for students.

• Develop and implement a coherent PK–12 academic vision aligned with Board priorities and district strategic goals.
• Strengthen core instruction and build sustainable systems that improve literacy, mathematics, and graduation outcomes.
• Lead district wide efforts to improve student achievement using evidence-based practices and verifiable data.
• Ensure accurate, transparent reporting of academic performance to the Superintendent and Board.
• Align curriculum, assessment, and professional learning to support instructional consistency and high expectations in every school.

• Provide executive oversight of the district’s academic division, including supervision and evaluation of Executive Directors and assigned leaders.
• Ensure strong vertical alignment between elementary and secondary instructional systems.
• Provide executive oversight of special education services within the broader instructional framework, ensuring compliance and improved student outcomes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of instructional programs and recommend adjustments based on research, district goals, and performance data.
• Participate in executive-level budget development, resource allocation, and long-range planning.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and accreditation requirements while maintaining a primary focus on instructional quality and student achievement.

• Serve as the Superintendent’s primary advisor on academic matters.
• Present data-informed updates and recommendations to the Board of Education.
• Collaborate with district leadership to ensure academic priorities are integrated across departments.
• Participate in district strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Model integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism in all district matters.
• Lead and develop high-performing academic teams across the district.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain current knowledge of educational research, public education law, and best practices.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in educational leadership, K–12 administration, or a closely related field required.
• Progressive public education experience including but not limited to: classroom teaching, school principal, and supervising executive-level academic leaders.
• Progressive responsibility in leading and managing diverse work teams.

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