Legacy College Preparatory Charter School, Chief Academic Officer

ORGANIZATION

Legacy College Preparatory Charter School, serving grades six through twelve in the Bronx, is dedicated to preparing students for success in college and life. Its mission emphasizes academic rigor, values-based character development, and a supportive environment. Legacy’s innovative design incorporates small class sizes, a longer school day, and a focus on individualized learning, enabling students to meet ambitious academic goals. With a culture rooted in PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Engagement), Legacy ensures that students graduate ready for college, careers, and meaningful community contributions.

To learn more about Legacy College Prep, please visit https://legacycollegeprep.org/.

OPPORTUNITY

Legacy College Prep is seeking a dynamic, experienced educator and leader to serve as its Chief Academic Officer (CAO). The CAO will work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership team to ensure academic excellence and equity across all schools. This individual will manage instructional programs, set academic strategies, and oversee the performance of principals and school leaders. The CAO will also play a key role in advancing professional development, fostering a collaborative work environment, and driving breakthrough results for students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Vision and Strategy

• Collaborate with the Executive Director (ED) to advocate for and execute Legacy College Prep’s academic mission and vision while supporting the Board’s strategic planning process.
• Collaborate in the establishment and implementation of an academic vision aligned with Legacy College Prep’s school-level goals, ensuring a cohesive instructional model that promotes both academic excellence and character development.
• Along with members of the Academic Team and the ED, lead strategic planning initiatives, setting organizational goals and ensuring alignment with academic priorities.
• Foster a culture of equity in all aspects of curriculum and instruction, ensuring that systems and practices are responsive to the diverse needs of students.

Instructional Leadership and Professional Development

• Lead and mentor principals, providing guidance on curriculum design, instructional quality, continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals and standards through effective management of academic departments.
• Develop and implement a robust professional development model for school leaders, teachers, and instructional staff, focusing on results-oriented, outcomes-driven instruction and the use of feedback to drive teaching and learning improvements.
• Oversee the development of instructional and coaching staff, ensuring the use of clear performance frameworks, regular evaluations, and growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with principals to refine teaching practices, academic programming, and assessments to ensure student success.

Curriculum Development and Instructional Design

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of Legacy College Prep’s curriculum and instructional practices to ensure alignment with state standards and the school’s mission.
• Collaborate with school leaders and instructional staff to evaluate and adopt curriculum resources, ensuring the use of evidence-based instructional strategies that meet the diverse needs of all students.
• Ensure that academic programs promote the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of skills across all subject areas.
• Build capacity among coaching staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to work directly with teachers.

Data Informed Decision Making and Academic Performance Monitoring

• Oversee the use of data analytics to assess student performance, ensuring the implementation of continuous improvement practices across all instructional levels.
• Develop and implement systems for tracking academic progress and outcomes, including formative and summative assessments, to ensure accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Provide guidance on the use of data to inform instructional adjustments, interventions, and individualized learning plans, ensuring that all students are on track for college readiness and career success.

Operational and Financial Oversight of Academics

• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the school’s finances support the goals of the Academic Program. 
• Ensure academic operational efficiency and contribute to fundraising efforts to support the school’s financial health.

Equity and Student Success

• Promote a clear vision of educational equity, ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and programs support the success of all students.
• Establish goals for student achievement and character development that exceed accountability goals demonstrating high expectations for student learning or high expectations for teaching and learning, ensuring alignment across schools.
• Drive the use of data to monitor and improve student outcomes, particularly in historically underserved populations.

Family and Community Engagement in Academic Programs

• Collaborate with the Family Engagement Staff to ensure parents and families are involved in academic programming, fostering an inclusive environment that values the input of parents, guardians, and community members in the education process.
• In collaboration with the Instructional Leadership Team, ED and School Principals, develop, implement and monitor the effectiveness of outreach initiatives that empower families to support student achievement, providing training and resources to help parents understand the academic expectations and how to support their children’s educational goals.

College and Career Readiness Initiatives

• Work alongside the College and Career Initiatives team to develop and implement a comprehensive college and career readiness strategy that includes college counseling, career exploration, internships, and partnerships with higher education institutions and employers.
• Ensure that academic programming at Legacy College Prep supports not only academic success but also the acquisition of soft skills and life skills necessary for success in college and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution; Master’s degree in education or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of professional experience, including at least five years as a successful principal or educational leader.
• Proven experience leading schools or networks toward measurable outcomes, with a focus on equity and student success.
• Strong track record of developing and mentoring school leaders and educators.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives focused on academic performance, instructional quality, and operational excellence.
• Experience working in diverse communities with a focus on closing achievement gaps.
• High-level leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of the needs of middle and high school students.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $166,000 - $188,000, and robust benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, retirement and tuition reimbursement. More details can be provided upon request. The anticipated start date for this position is July 2025.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/21A6A1B7FF/.

Legacy College Prep Charter is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.