Chief Academic Officer

JOB LOCATION: CSIU Central Office, 90 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA 17847 .

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) reports to the Executive Director of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) or their designee. The position is a full-time, exempt position, which is part of the senior management team.

JOB DEFINITION: The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the teaching, leadership, and learning functions of the intermediate unit. These functions include the academic, instructional, curricular, professional learning, assessment, instructional technology, leadership, school improvement, and leadership development. Functions also include PDE initiatives and requirements for all age levels and facets of the educational experience, both school-based and community-based, supported by the intermediate unit, with an emphasis on Early Childhood through Grade 12.

The Chief Academic Officer serves as the liaison between the member school districts, technical schools, colleges, the community, and the intermediate unit in supporting the teaching and learning functions of the CSIU.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide planning, oversight, staff supervision, and project management for the Curriculum, Assessment and Regional Educational Services department, which includes the areas and the associated programs and services listed below, but is not limited to:

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Services

Curriculum and Instruction

Educational Technology Integration

Professional Learning

Online Learning

Technical Assistance

Data and Assessment

Certification Programs

Special Education

School Age Services

Behavioral and Mental Health Services

Non-Public School Services

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)

Regional Migrant Education Programs and English Language Learners

Teen Parenting Programs

Alternative Education Programs

Tutoring and After School Programs

Incarcerated Youth Programs

Leadership Development

Provide leadership development for school district personnel.

Co-lead the principal induction program for new principals.

Create and develop Act 45 opportunities (PIL courses) for district leaders.

Coordinate annual Superintendent Retreat.

Seek and secure public and private funds to support and expand the work of the CSIU.

Provide leadership and direct the development of early childhood through grade 12 academic programs, both school-based and community-based.

Develop and provide quality programs for elementary, secondary, and community education programs.

Coordinate shared education service opportunities for districts through various CSIU departments.

Identify and implement effective curriculum and instructional policies and practices that maximize educational options to improve achievement for all students across the CSIU.

Conduct evaluations of key program initiatives as a means of informing the Executive Director as to the effectiveness of CSIU programming and making recommendations for improvement.

Supervise, train, evaluate, organize the job responsibilities, and recommend for employment all staff positions reporting to this position.

Conduct meetings as necessary with all applicable or emerging clientele, e.g., school district officials, non-public education officials, school principals, educators, higher education officials, ELECT Advisory Board, Next Century, Inc., Susquehanna Education Foundation, Technology Advantage, Inc., federal program coordinators, etc.

Set annual priorities and measurable goals through the strategic planning process.

Provide the required support to foster a culture that motivates the improvement of student and client achievement at all levels.

Develop and maintain clear and inclusive decision-making processes to ensure integration of academic supports and services.

Serve on cross-functional teams with all CSIU programs and divisions to provide educational and managerial leadership that builds and supports a high-performance educational team.

Provide support to member school districts and non-public schools addressing state and national initiatives, directives and program activities.

Monitor education research, trends and developments to support school improvement efforts and program development; foster the sharing of high yield strategies and opportunities for collaboration within and among all levels of education.

Review and monitor individual program budgets and expenditures to ensure they are aligned with the strategic initiatives of the CSIU and ensure that resources are directed appropriately.

Provide assistance in the management of special education.

Provide executive oversight and strategic leadership for school-based and community-based behavioral and mental health programs, including the integration of educational, clinical, and student-support services.

Ensure compliance across education, certification, behavioral health, grants, contracts, and specialized programs.

Serve, as recommended or approved by the Executive Director, on community boards, advisory councils, and regional organizations whose missions align with and advance the work, strategic priorities, and community partnerships of the CSIU.

Provide assistance to the Executive Director in developing new services or markets for the CSIU.

OTHER MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves as an integral member of the CSIU senior management team, participating in leadership meetings, Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units meetings and other events as appropriate.

Participates in leadership efforts to continue and enhance CSIU efforts to expand and improve programs in cooperation with administrators, state and federal agencies, community organizations and professional groups.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director or their designee.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

A minimum of a Master’s degree in education with ten (10) years of related professional work experience is required. A Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree is preferred.

A valid Pennsylvania Letter of Eligibility (90) as 1150-Superintendent or 1160-IU Executive Director certification credentialing is required. Candidates actively pursuing the credential may be considered, provided all requirements are completed and the credential is obtained within one (1) year of appointment.

Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience and excellent supervisory skills preferred.

Experience with educational accountability measures including Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). requirements, state and local assessments, curriculum development and managing a wide variety of programs and initiatives.

Experience in project management, including fiscal management and the ability to deploy resources and manage multiple projects.

Experience in leading large-scale educational program development and reform.

Extensive knowledge and experience in application of state and federal education law and policy.

Grant writing and management experience.

Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.

Knowledge of trends in the integration of educational technology and blended learning models of instruction.

Considerable experience in providing leadership in the planning and development of district-wide curriculum and instructional programs that meet the needs of a diverse population.

Experience in leadership development.

Experience in providing a comprehensive professional learning program.

Experience in the management of special education.

Experience in planning for the implementation of educational accountability goals.

The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

The highest level of integrity at all times.

Experience in group processes and working with diverse populations.

Problem solving skills: Offer highest levels of problem-solving skills to influence overall efficiency and improvement of productivity. High level of written and verbal communication.

Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry, email and experience managing file sharing with Google Drive.

Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Proficiency in utilizing vetted artificial intelligence (AI) is preferred. The ability to enhance AI skills will be required. The exploration and utilization of new AI tools or technologies is subject to review and approval.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).

Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours of training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Complete professional learning opportunities as recommended by the Executive Director.

Maintain Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification and Act 45 / Act 48 continuing education requirements.

Attend state and federal training initiatives.

Position requires ongoing training in the latest research on effective schools, staff development, instructional and assessment strategies.

Attendance at supervisory, Leadership Roundtable, and other CSIU internal meetings, trainings, and workshops.

Current knowledge and understanding of effective professional learning.

Attendance at professional meetings and conferences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary), and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).

Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.

Can move throughout all buildings, floors, and CSIU grounds and is able to work long hours (as necessary).

Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors, office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.

Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion, and can manage multiple projects and deadlines.

The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Pennsylvania driver’s license with ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

This is a full-time exempt, salaried position following a 12-month, 260-day work schedule and requires active participation with the CSIU senior management team.

Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the Executive Director or their designee.

The majority of work requirements will be conducted at the CSIU building located at 90 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA or an assigned telework location. Frequent support and travel to member school districts or with CSIU clients is also required.

Frequent evening meetings or professional meetings that necessitate overnight stays are required.

This position may require daily and overnight travel to seminars, workshops, or presentations at seminars, workshops, or other events.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment, or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.

The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services, and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.

The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionals entitled “Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too” and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT: As a senior management team member, this position is also responsible for representing the CSIU in public networking and partnership activities by maintaining knowledge about and promoting CSIU programs and services and by relaying information about potential grants or other funding sources to appropriate CSIU staff members.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Human Resources Manager of the need for any accommodations that may be required.