Job Application for Chief Academics Officer at Democracy Prep Public Schools

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About the Opportunity:

Democracy Prep Public Schools seeks a strategic and collaborative Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to drive academic excellence and ensure equitable outcomes for all scholars across our multi-state network. Reporting directly to the Chief Schools Officer (CSO), the CAO will work closely with the CSO to translate the network's vision for school excellence into a cohesive and impactful K-12 academic strategy. The CAO will spearhead and drive the development of high-quality curricula, assessment strategies, arts, and physical education across the DPPS multistate network.

The CAO will work collaboratively with the CSO to develop and implement a research-based, culturally responsive K-12 academic vision that prioritizes:

Academic Rigor: Ensuring a challenging and engaging curriculum that prepares scholars for college success and beyond.
Civic Engagement: Integrating civics education, arts, physical education, and global citizenship programming to develop well-rounded, active citizens.
Equity and Inclusion: Providing world-class supports for scholars with special needs and addressing achievement gaps between racial, ethnic, and economic groups.

The CAO will be a data-driven leader, utilizing regular data analysis to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and ensure accountability across the network. They will foster strong partnerships with regional leadership, school leaders, and instructional staff to support the implementation of the academic vision at all schools, working under the guidance and direction of the CSO.

Who You Are:

A deep commitment to the mission and core values of Democracy Prep Public Schools and an unwavering belief in the potential of all our scholars.
10+ years of work experience, including 4+ years of experience as a high-performing principal, principal manager, and/or curriculum and instruction specialist with experience closing the student achievement gaps between racial, ethnic, and economic groups (experience as a district/network curricular team lead is strongly preferred).
An unwavering commitment to and action towards anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an ability to serve as an exemplar for the organization's values and foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.
A strong desire to collaborate with the Chief Schools Officer, fellow senior leaders, and school leaders in service of excellent academic and civic outcomes for all scholars.
Deep experience in the design, integration, implementation, and management of a school, including knowledge of curricula, instructional practices, school operations and management, and talent development.
The ability to analyze and use data regularly to drive decision-making.
The ability to design, oversee, and launch new programming.
Expertise in instructional design and implementation, including curriculum and assessment.
Expertise in tutoring design and implementation, as well as regular analysis of data and setting of goals and benchmarks to drive excellent results in schools.
A deep commitment to both racial equity and improving the lives of students from underserved and underresourced communities.

What You'll Do*:

Strategic Leadership and Vision (in Partnership with the CSO):

Collaborate closely with the CSO to develop and articulate a compelling K-12 academic vision aligned with DPPS's mission and strategic goals.
Support the CSO in leading strategic academic planning processes for the network and each region, setting SMART goals and priorities.
Implement academic and grading policies, master schedule guidelines, and network calendars as directed by the CSO to ensure consistency and equity across all schools.
Drive a culture of high expectations, academic rigor, and civic engagement for all scholars, in alignment with the CSO's vision.
Oversee and support the programming and innovation for the following teams/departments: academics, career and college readiness, civics, arts, and athletics.

Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction:

Drive the design, development, and implementation of a research-based, culturally responsive curriculum and assessment strategy that empowers diverse learners, under the guidance of the CSO.
Ensure the integration of civics, arts, physical education, and global citizenship programming into the core curriculum, in alignment with the CSO's priorities.
Lead the development and execution of aligned professional development for teachers and leaders, focusing on instructional best practices and equitable teaching strategies, in collaboration with the CSO.
Oversee the design and implementation of effective tutoring and intervention programs, regularly analyzing data to drive excellent results and reporting progress to the CSO.
Champion the integration of civics education across the curriculum, fostering a deep understanding of democratic principles, civic responsibility, and social justice among all scholars.

Data-Driven Decision Making and Accountability:

Regularly analyze network-wide academic data to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and ensure accountability, reporting findings and recommendations to the CSO.
Partner with regional leadership, under the direction of the CSO, to ensure that teacher observations are conducted with frequency and quality, that teacher feedback is delivered in writing and through practice-based coaching, and that curriculum is implemented with fidelity.
Ensure the rigorous implementation of the assessment strategy, customized to the needs of the population, and strictly adhered to by school-based teammates and network-based support staff, including the execution of data-driven remediation blocks and reporting progress to the CSO.

Arts & Athletics:

Promote access to a wide range of arts and athletic opportunities for all scholars, recognizing the importance of these programs in developing well-rounded individuals, fostering creativity, and building teamwork skills.
Ensure that arts and athletic programs are aligned with the academic mission of DPPS, providing scholars with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build character, and achieve excellence in all areas of their lives.

Equity and Inclusion:

Lead and oversee the network's Special Education (SPED) and Multilingual Learners (MLL) teams/departments, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations, and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion for all scholars, regardless of their abilities or language backgrounds.
Drive the development and implementation of comprehensive SPED and MLL programs that provide rigorous, individualized instruction and support to meet the diverse needs of all scholars with disabilities and multilingual learners.
Ensure that SPED and MLL programming align with the network's overall academic vision, and that all scholars, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners, have equitable access to all educational opportunities.
Champion the use of evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to continuously improve the effectiveness of SPED and MLL services and outcomes.
Monitor the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and language acquisition plans, ensuring that all scholars with disabilities and multilingual learners receive the accommodations and supports they need to succeed.
Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and families to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all scholars, regardless of their abilities or language backgrounds.
Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of highly qualified SPED and MLL staff, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support our scholars.
Advocate for the needs of scholars with disabilities and multilingual learners at the network level, working to remove barriers to their success and promote their full participation in the DPPS community.

Cross-Team & Stakeholder Collaboration:

Partner with network teams (e.g., Academics, Operations, Student Supports, Legal) to ensure schools receive coherent and high-quality support.
Participate in school review processes, including planning, delivering feedback, and providing follow-up coaching based on review findings.
Contribute to cross-functional leadership initiatives and serve as a thought partner on network priorities and decision-making.
Serve internally and externally (e.g., at Board meetings and gatherings with key community partners) as a representative of Democracy Prep's leadership team.
Partner with Vice Presidents/Deputy Superintendents/Chiefs to ensure the entire organization is leading for learning, under the direction of the CSO.
Foster strong external partnerships in service of our mission.
Promote and exemplify collaboration among all VPs and directors within the Academics and Special Services teams to guarantee a seamless and comprehensive service experience for all scholars and educators.

Talent Development and Adult Culture:

Build leadership pipelines by identifying, coaching, and preparing rising leaders.
Collaborate with the Schools Team to design and facilitate high-impact professional development for school leaders, instructional leadership teams, and teachers.
Provide coaching to all instructional leaders, with an increased focus on the network's secondary leaders (e.g., APs), ensuring that professional development for assistant principals complements that of principals, to cultivate comprehensive school leadership teams fully equipped to excellently serve scholars.
Model and promote a strong, inclusive adult culture rooted in shared ownership, accountability, joy, and collaboration.

*May be assigned other duties as needed.

Compensation

Salary range for this role is $210,000-$240,000 with an offer that is commensurate with your experience. Democracy Prep Public Schools offers comprehensive benefits, and a working environment that includes the necessary technology and resources to succeed.

Democracy Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our mission is to educate responsible citizen-scholars who will change the world. We strongly believe that by building a DREAM team that represents numerous perspectives, backgrounds, and expertises, we can achieve this goal together. This is a value we highly support and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

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Chief Academics Officer

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