CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER - GLOBAL PREPARATORY ACADEMY
(On-Site/School-Based Role)[1]

ABOUT GLOBAL PREPARATORY ACADEMY (GPA)

Global Prep Academy (GPA) is a dual-language school that connects students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and educates them together in a highly rigorous, engaging, and nurturing environment. Using both English and Spanish to instruct students in all core content areas, students will develop high levels of bilingualism and biliteracy, as well as a deep value and understanding of other cultures. GPA employees are a critical part of an organization that is providing powerful, new options for the way children are educated.

POSITION SUMMARY

Global Preparatory Academy is seeking a Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to serve as a member of the executive team responsible for partnering with the CEO to align a clear vision and the strategic instructional direction of the organization and school. This executive and instructional leader will lead the development of strong academic goals and programs and develop strong instructional and cultural leaders to advance student well-being and overall achievement while creating a healthy and inclusive school and organizational environment for all.

The Chief Academic Officer is a full-time executive leader, hired, supported, and evaluated by the CEO. The Chief Academic Officer must be experienced and deeply committed to equity and antiracism, students, instructional leadership, school leader and teacher coaching, support, development and evaluation, strong school culture, and deep family engagement.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES - Duties include but are not limited to:

Instructional & Data-Driven Leadership

• Implement, refine, and continuously improve Global Prep’s instructional model to achieve equitable results and outcomes for students and foster a strong culture of excellent teaching and learning
• Lead strategic efforts to develop, select, and effectively implement high-quality Common Core and state-aligned curriculum materials, research-based instructional practices, and aligned assessments across grades and subjects that are designed to meet the learning needs of all students, especially exceptional learners, English as second language learners, and students in a dual language program
  • Lead development, integration, evaluation, and sustainability of a high-quality two-way dual language program within the school
    • Lead strategic implementation of WIDA frameworks and levels of emerging language proficiency in English and Spanish
• Design a professional development calendar and implement effective, relevant, and differentiated PD sessions
• Support school and leaders in implementing best-in-class programs and strategies to advance student performance including requirements for accommodations and modifications (e.g., SPED, 504) for diverse learners in partnership with the Special Education Coordinator
• Monitor and observe schools, lessons, and school-wide data regularly and deliver targeted feedback and develop plans for school, leader, and instructional improvement
• Actively communicate academic progress against goals and outcomes targets to senior leadership, school leaders, staff, board, and other key stakeholders
• Implement a best-in-class instructional and academic program that is customizable and replicable for use at future campuses

Leadership Development & Support

• Lead, coach, develop, support, and mentor school leaders to deepen their effectiveness across all school leadership functions (e.g., curriculum, academics, instructions, operations, talent development. etc.)
• Model, coach, and provide support to instructional leaders, teams, and teachers on effective instructional strategies
• Collaborate with school leaders and instructional teams to plan units, lessons, and assessments, facilitating data-driven instruction cycles
• Develop leaders and instructional teams to ensure they are supporting teachers in providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after-school tutoring
• Oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment, development, observations and evaluation, retention, and dismissal, and create a leadership pipeline for all levels of leadership, especially school leaders
• Foster commitment among staff to advance the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives

Executive & Equity-Centered Leadership

• Embrace the mission, vision, and values and promote them to students, staff, other faculty, parents, and members of the outside community
• Promote equitable outcomes and processes and use these guiding principals across the school and organization and ensure equity is reflected in all areas including but not limited to: curriculum, instruction, assessments, leadership coaching, and support
• Serve as a strategic thought partner for the CEO and support strategic visioning and planning for the school and organization
• Skilled in selecting and leveraging different communication tools (e.g. face-to-face, newsletters, social media) to help shape a narrative and deliver clear messages
• Promote ongoing positive communication with school leaders, instructional teams, staff, parents, and community partners, effectively involving them in the education of children
• Strengthen leaders' and staff's capacity to cultivate and sustain meaningful partnerships with families of diverse backgrounds and with community members that support student achievement and student well-being
• Provide exemplary leadership to all leaders, staff, and students in establishing a positive, structured, and achievement-oriented school culture
• Be highly present and visible relentlessly ensuring an exceptional learning and positive school environment; model and enforce strategies to maximize quality and excellence in teaching and learning
• Model professional and core values always

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong Academic & Pedagogical Knowledge: Versatile, deep content and pedagogical knowledge (e.g., CCSS and state standards, curriculum design and implementation, culturally relevant pedagogy and materials, assessments, schools’ academic programs, and culture, etc.)
• Leadership Development:
  • A passionate people developer who deeply values and cares about people and the profession, the professional growth of others
  • Deep experience, knowledge, and expertise in coaching and developing adults
  • Can move leaders to action quickly
  • Skilled at building leaders’ capacity and coaching them to do the same in their school buildings
• Strategic Thinker & Change Manager: Skilled at thinking strategically at a systems level, identifying needs, and implementing solutions effectively and equitably
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs
• Integrity/Ethics & Communications Skills: Deals with others straightforwardly and honestly; is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good and bad news with integrity, constructively, and effectively across a range of stakeholders
• Project Management: Organizes and manages multiple competing priorities; skilled at delegating, when necessary
• Continuous Improvement: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; strives to research, evaluate, and implement best practices
• Data-Driven: Able to work with large amounts of data, interpret data, detect errors, and prepare reports
• Entrepreneurial & Innovative Learner: Is continuously learning, proactive, takes initiative, thinks creatively and innovatively, drives projects to completion, and insists on the highest level of quality and always centering what is best for kids
• Equity-Centered:
  • Approaches the work from the perspective of the students, families, and community serves and is skilled at listening and centering their voices and needs in academic decision making
  • Possesses strong student, family, and community orientation
  • Serve as a thought leader to the CEO to design, implement, and improve its equity strategy, plan, and work

Core Attributes & Beliefs

• An unwavering belief that there is no more urgent task than to provide an outstanding education to students from low-income, urban backgrounds
• A deep conviction that all students can achieve at high levels and a commitment to do whatever it takes to prepare all students for college success
• Track record of producing dramatic, demonstrable student achievement gains directly and/or through coaching others
• Entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and energy
• Ability to work well in a team of high performers
• Goal-driven, self-reflective and analytical problem solver
• Passion for leader, teacher, staff, and organizational development and belief in the potential of all to grow

Educational Background & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least three years of school leadership and/or significant instructional coaching experience with proven results serving diverse learners in an urban public charter school turnaround setting
• At least three years of experience teaching, leading, and/or working in a diverse and dual-language school (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
• Experience developing and implementing curriculum for students
• Experience coaching, managing, and developing adults
• Administrator licensure or equivalent preferred

Additional Qualifications & Skills

• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and Google Suite
• Great organizational and time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Satisfactory completion of local, state, and federal criminal history checks and TB test
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, and community
• Ability to meet established deadlines
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

Location: Indianapolis, IN (On-Site/School-Based)

Start Date: This role is available for immediate start.

Benefits:

• Global Preparatory Academy offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, holidays, paid time off, retirement/403B, FSA, HSA, life insurance, and relevant tuition reimbursement. In addition to extensive professional development and support, the Chief Academic Officer will receive a technology package including a laptop computer, iPad, cell phone package, email, and all necessary supplies.
• The salary is negotiable, competitive, and commensurate with experience. The role is also eligible for a signing bonus.
• This role is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus of up to 10% of the salary.
• Relocation assistance is available.

To Apply: Interested applicants may submit their applications here: https://apply.workable.com/stronger-consulting/j/1EA91643FA/. In lieu of a cover letter, please respond in 150 words or less to four (4) short-answer questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Global Preparatory Academy is an equal-opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.