Chief Academic Officer Student Learning Division

Department Information

This announcement is posted until filled or preferred candidate(s) are identified; it is in your best interest to apply early.

Colorado Department of Education - What We Do

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting the public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

Why Work For CDE

The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!

The following is a summary of the benefits we offer

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.

• Premier medical, dental, vision and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.

• Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance

• 10 paid holidays per year

• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals

• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org

• Employer paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply)

• Paid professional development opportunities

Description of Job

Do you have a passion for education and a proven track record of driving positive change?

The CDE is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to lead our diverse team in ensuring all students receive a high-quality education. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of education for Colorado students!

This role demands a highly collaborative leader with a flexible mindset who embraces change and innovation. You'll be an influencer who can motivate and excite a team of dedicated professionals. Your positive energy and genuine connections will be instrumental in driving the work forward in partnership with colleagues across the CDE.

As CAO, you will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for all academic programs and initiatives, within the Student Learning division, including Teaching and Learning and the Exceptional Student Services with a focus on ensuring a quality education within Gifted and Talented Education, Multilingual Learner Education, and Special Education.

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive educational plan that aligns with state standards and promotes student success.

• Championing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, fostering collaboration and open communication across the DoE.

• Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including educators, parents, community leaders, and policymakers, to advocate for the needs of all students.

• Leading with high energy, a positive attitude, and an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of curriculum development, assessment, and instructional best practices.

• Has a proven track record of success in leading and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals.

• Thrives in a collaborative environment and possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Embraces a growth mindset and is constantly seeking ways to improve educational outcomes.

• Is passionate about educational equity and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

• Exudes a positive and infectious energy that motivates and inspires others.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children across Colorado. If you are a passionate leader with a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply!

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Education

• Master's Degree or higher in Education, Education Policy or similar experience such as senior leadership experience in a school district or education policy organization

Competency and Qualification Requirements

• Successful experience as a K-12 educational leader at the local or state level.

• Successful administrative and management experience leading multiple work teams to achieve shared outcomes.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and problem-solve complex situations bringing clarity to roles and tasks in order to identify and meet deliverables.

• Commitment to collaboration both within CDE and externally by building trust and rapport, as well as systems and structures to support collaborative work.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Colorado READ Act (HB 12-1238 / SB 19-199), Colorado's Achievement Plan for Kids (SB 08-212), culturally and linguistically diverse education, special education, preschool special education, and multi-tiered systems of support.

• Exceptional communication and listening skills with multiple stakeholders (i.e., CDE personnel, school district leaders, legislators, education advocates, board members), both verbal and written (i.e., technical/policy writing).

• Experience working with and presenting in front of a board or other elected officials.

• Understanding of and experience in interpreting and implementing state education policy

• Leadership skills include leading a professional staff, coaching supervisors, working with multiple perspectives, engaging stakeholders, collaborating with others, and facilitating improved systems and outcomes for every student.

• Proven ability to successfully lead, implement, and monitor large-scale projects with accountability for shared measurable outcomes.

• Successful administrative and management experience leading a change effort, including proven planning and execution skills.

• Ability to collaborate among diverse constituent groups and across multiple work teams.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Knowledge of and experience in using data to inform decisions, create work plans, and evaluate return on investment.

• Ability and willingness to travel.

• The ability to pass a background check, which includes a motor vehicle records search.

Supplemental Information

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

• Completed Application Required

• Cover Letter Required - uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

• Resume Required - uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to hr@cde.state.co.us.