] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER

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Chief Academic Officer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Chief Academic Officer CODE: 0175 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Chief Academic Officer GRADE: NS MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Leads and manages the programs and processes of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) that promote and sustain the instructional framework; provides innovative leadership and management oversight, and ensures accountability, for curriculum, instruction, and assessment for general and special education, and related student services; promotes and maintains a focus on raising student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and school improvement; implements the district's Strategic Plan and its elements into the organization's culture; supports equitable opportunities for all students; leads cross- departmental efforts to ensure that innovative and instructional practices are aligned with the Strategic Plan and executed with fidelity; works closely with the system leaders to ensure that initiative timelines are developed, executed, and maintained.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures relating to curriculum and instruction for general education, special education, and all related student services. Knowledge of school improvement and organizational change strategies and initiatives. Knowledge of diversity, cultural proficiency, and equity issues. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws related to schools and equity. Ability to set, communicate, and assess program priorities and performance standards. Ability to manage, supervise, motivate, lead, and challenge a team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the multiplicity of constituencies served by the district; the School Board; and federal, state, and county officials. Proficiency in the use of technology and data analysis. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree required. Doctorate preferred. Eight (8) years of experience in leadership and management within education. Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience. Successful experience as a principal preferred.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must meet Maryland State certification requirements for Administrator I and II. Superintendent licensure or certification preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Requires the ability to work long hours and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office.)

1. Develops a comprehensive strategy for and leads innovative educational programs of MCPS, including, but not limited to, curriculum, assessment, and instruction, Career and Technical Education, Emergent Multilingual Learner, instructional services, special services, and school improvement and supports.

2. Collaborates to identify and review research-based programs, initiatives, and best practices that utilize an equity lens and a philosophy that reflects innovative thinking.

3. Examines, evaluates, and directs school improvement initiatives and supports and provides directional oversight to ensure district goals are being met.
4. Continually informs the Superintendent and the School Board about all current issues and proposed solutions.

5. Conducts strategic analyses and develops clear and quantifiable goals and objectives for culturally responsive educational practices.

6. Collaborates with departments and manages high-performing action teams tasked with implementing equitable and inclusive instructional practices to address student achievement.

7. Serves as the district liaison to external instruction and curriculum related committees, task forces, work groups, and initiatives and with federal, state, and county education officials.

8. Helps to plan, develop, and implement an instructional pedagogy that is contemporary, learner centered, and focused inclusively on all students attaining the skills and attributes of the college and career readiness/post-secondary success.

9. Supports a systemic focus on increased academic rigor and challenging content for all students.

10. Oversees professional development for teachers, school administrators, and staff to support endeavors to accelerate student achievement across all student groups.

11. Identifies, supports, and monitors training and strategies for addressing gaps in student performance.

12. Develops short- and long-term plans for the district's instructional program and help drive and refine the Strategic Plan.

13. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and laws.

14. Provides counsel and direction to principals and program managers on educational issues.

15. Oversees the recruitment, selection, assignment, supervision, and evaluation of lower graded office personnel. Provides guidance and assistance to other full-, part-time, and/or hourly employees, as assigned.

16. Serves as point of contact for the School Board, public entities, community organizations, and the business community.

17. Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Class Established: 4/2007
Date(s) Revised: 5/2022, 11/2024
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.