Chief Academic Officer of Secondary Education

CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Secondary Education serves as the instructional leader for secondary education in the Washoe County School District, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across several divisions primarily supporting secondary education. Mindful of Nevada Revised Statute, Nevada Administrative Code, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies, the CAO drives educational performance, providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction to improve student achievement across secondary schools.

This role requires a strong academic leader with expertise in building teams, integrating and managing large-scale district-wide initiatives, and implementing systems that enhance student outcomes. The CAO must possess deep knowledge of curriculum, instructional practices, leadership development, school operations, and performance management.

The CAO serves on the Superintendent's Leadership Team and Academic Leadership Team and is responsible for multiple initiatives within the District's Strategic Plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and measurable goals for secondary education, ensuring alignment with district goals and state/national standards.
• Provide leadership and oversight of Career and Technical Education, Student Enrollment and Records, Instruction, and Assessment, and Area Superintendents to ensure seamless and equitable support for schools with additional secondary oversite of Student Athletics, Clubs and Activities, After School Programs, Extended Studies, and Music and Fine Arts.
• Establish policies and programs that foster academic excellence, equitable access to resources, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Serves on cross-functional teams to provide educational and managerial leadership that builds and supports a high-performing academic team.
• Develops and maintains clear and inclusive decision-making processes to integrate academic supports and services.
• Balances educational consistency across the District with appropriate school-level autonomy.
• Attends and presents at WCSD Board of Trustees meetings to inform decision-making and district priorities.

Principal Development & Instructional Leadership

• Directly support and build the capacity of secondary Area Superintendents and school principals as equity-driven instructional leaders.
• Ensure principals and instructional leaders have the professional learning, coaching, and support necessary to drive high student achievement.
• Develop principal professional learning networks to foster collaboration and shared best practices across secondary schools.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, research-based curriculum and instructional practices.
• Ensure alignment between curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to improve student outcomes.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness, monitor student progress, and make recommendations for instructional improvement.

Collaboration & Alignment

• Collaborate with District central office departments, such as Human Resources, Information Technology, and Business to support initiatives and resources.
• Work closely with other district leaders to ensure alignment between elementary education and secondary education initiatives.
• Collaborate with district departments, including Student Development and Success, Special Education, and Student Services, to address diverse student needs.
• Foster relationships with families, community organizations, and stakeholders to support secondary student success.

Accountability & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to principal leadership, teacher effectiveness, and student achievement.
• Use data and research to inform policies and practices that improve instructional quality and student outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies to address learning gaps and promote equity across all secondary schools.

Stewardship, Compliance, & Policy Implementation

• Ensure district policies and state/federal regulations related to secondary education are implemented with fidelity.
• Lead efforts in securing and managing grants related to secondary education programs.
• Effectively manages district resources and budgets exceeding $20 million, including grants, to support instructional priorities.
• Ensures state, federal, and local compliance with education policies, laws, and grant requirements.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain that knowledge and skills would be:

A Master's Degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Doctorate is preferred.

AND

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school and/or district administration, including as a principal. Area Superintendent experience preferred.

Knowledge:

• Research-based curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment frameworks.
• Leadership development, coaching models, and adult learning principles.
• Federal and state education laws, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Equity-focused strategies to support diverse student populations and close achievement gaps.

Skills/Abilities:

• Proven ability to coach principals and improve student outcomes.
• Leading district-wide instructional improvement efforts.
• Coaching and building the capacity of principals and academic leaders.
• Using data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness and student progress.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Effectively communicating and presenting complex educational initiatives.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, students, parents, and external organizations.

License/Certificate: A valid Nevada teaching license, valid driver license, and Nevada School Administrator Endorsement.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

The Washoe County School District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working environment for all students, staff, and visitors.? The District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, disability or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental handicap in any of its educational programs/activities and employment, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement?

Washoe County School District is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Washoe County School District is committed to providing all applicants and employees equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, military status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Here at Washoe County School District, we are a diverse group of people who honor the differences that drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our students and employees. We believe that through a culture of inclusivity, we have the power to reflect the community we serve.?

WORK ENVIRONMENT?/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Activity/Condition?

Never

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Continuously

Lifting objects up to 25 lbs.?

X

Lifting objects over 25 lbs.

X

Sitting for extended periods?

X

Standing for extended periods?

X

Walking for extended periods?

X

Bending or stooping?

X

Reaching above shoulder height?

X

Pushing/pulling objects?

X

Climbing stairs or ladders?

X

Operating heavy machinery?

X

Exposure to outdoor weather

X

Exposure to loud noises?

X

Working in confined spaces?

X

Working at heights?

X

Working w/ hazardous materials?

X

Repetitive hand or arm movement

X

Definitions:

• Never: The activity or condition does not occur.
• Rarely: The activity or condition occurs less than 10% of the time.
• Occasionally: The activity or condition occurs 10-30% of the time.
• Frequently: The activity or condition occurs 30-60% of the time.
• Continuously: The activity or condition occurs more than 60% of the time.

Site(s)

Academics

Internal Job Number

A256750

Salary

Grade: EC03

Annual Salary: $163,805 (Entry Step)

Salaries are subject to adjustment and may increase and decrease each fiscal year. New employees hired by Washoe County School District are normally placed on the entry step of the grade of the position. View the salary schedules here.

Additional Job Information

Benefit packages are available for all employees, eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 27.5 hours per week or more receive full benefits of the District which include but are not limited to;

• No waiting period on Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Employees may select an insurance plan wherein WCSD contributes 100% of insurance premiums.
• Sick Leave, Holiday Pay and Vacation Pay
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Contribution options will be explained in detail during the New Employee Orientation.
• Salary Increases
• Longevity Bonuses
• Guidance Resources
• And More - Visit our Benefits page for more information.
• Please be advised health insurance premiums are paid by employees at a prorated percent for those working less than full time.

New employees will be fingerprinted upon hire and will have $58.50 deducted from their first paycheck to help defray the cost of fingerprinting. Fingerprint fees are subject to change.

Any applicant who would like to request a reasonable accommodation in any step of the selection process should contact Human Resources at or email

Salary : $120,000 - $200,000