Chief Academic Officer Job Listing at State of Vermont in Montpelier, VT (Job ID E35F7CAF-A59F-4)

Description

Overview

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as a key member of the leadership team for the Agency of Education and State of Vermont. This role is responsible for developing and implementing statewide academic strategies to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students. The CAO will lead efforts to improve curriculum standards, instructional practices, and student achievement outcomes, collaborating with State Agencies and Departments, educators, administrators, and stakeholders to advance the state's educational goals.

 

Strategic Leadership

• Support the implementation of a comprehensive academic vision and strategy aligned with state education priorities.
• Lead the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of academic policies, programs, and initiatives to promote student achievement and equity.
• Provide guidance on the adoption and implementation of rigorous and inclusive curriculum standards.
• (Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Vermont's ESSA plan and ensure purposeful integration with other State academic strategies.)

 

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Oversee the development and refinement of state curriculum frameworks, instructional resources, and assessment tools.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum, instruction, and state accountability systems.
• Promote evidence-based instructional practices that meet the needs of diverse learners, including English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students.

 

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with school districts, Independent schools, and education-based organizations.
• Develop or facilitate professional development opportunities for educators and administrators to support effective implementation of academic initiatives.
• Serve as a visible and effective advocate for public education, representing the Agency at local, state, and national levels.

 

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Use data and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and policies.
• Identify and address gaps in student performance across demographic groups, ensuring targeted interventions are implemented.
• Monitor and report on progress toward achieving statewide academic goals.

 

Leadership and Management

• Supervise and support teams responsible for curriculum, instruction, assessments, and educator development.
• Oversee budgets and resources allocated to academic programs, ensuring efficient and equitable use of funds.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Agency of Education.

Who May Apply

This position, Chief Academic Officer (Job Requisition #52367), is open to all State employees and external applicants. 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Courtney O'Brien at courtney.obrien@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting but some travel will require private means of transportation. Duties may require extensive time outside of normal work hours. A wide diversity of opinion and emotions can be anticipated for which diplomacy and tact will be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. Doctorate preferred.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in K-12 education, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role.
Demonstrated record of improving student outcomes and leading large-scale academic initiatives.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Professional-level knowledge of, and experience in, curriculum design, instructional best practices, and state/federal education policies.
• Strong understanding of equity in education and strategies to close achievement gaps.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and drive results in complex systems.
• Proficiency in using data to inform decision-making and improve educational outcomes.
• Experience working in a state education agency, school district, or other public education institution. 
• Familiarity with state and federal legislative and regulatory processes related to education.
• Expertise in leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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