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Williamsburg Learning · 1 month ago

Chief Academic Officer

United States

Full-time

Remote

Director/Executive

$175K/yr - $175K/yr

7+ years exp

Williamsburg Learning is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful lives and is seeking a Chief Academic Officer to oversee critical operations that enhance the student experience. This role involves managing online academics, curriculum development, compliance, and accreditation while collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective educational practices.

Adventure TravelOnline PortalsOutdoors

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of teaching and learning

Implement strategies to enhance student engagement, outcomes, and transformational learning experiences

Establish partnerships within the industry to enhance academic programs and support student success

Scale the academic program to serve all WL markets and partner schools

Direct the strategy and standards for recruiting, developing, and retaining excellent faculty and staff

Drive innovation in educational practices

Lead, manage, and hold accountable (LMA) the Director of Academic Programs

Communicate the vision of the curriculum to meet current and future educational needs

Foster collaboration with the Director of Academic Programs, Program Leaders, and the Director of Curriculum to enhance the existing curriculum and deliver a best-in-industry student experience

Drive innovation in curriculum design and technology adoption

LMA the Director of Curriculum

Ensure operational compliance of the Academics Department with Accreditors, partner charter school boards, Education ReInvisioned BOCES, and state and federal regulations

Strategize and direct the accreditation process at WL and its partner schools

Coordinate with school leaders on site visits, state reviews, and board inquiries to ensure effective communication and collaboration

Scale the adventures program to serve all WL markets and partner schools

Develop strategies and standards for quality adventures that foster local community and transformational learning experiences

Operate WAD as an autonomous business unit

LMA the Director of Williamsburg Adventures

Qualification

Senior Academic LeadershipOnline School ExperienceCompliance & AccreditationTechnology & AIMission AlignmentEdTech LeadershipInstructional DesignAdvanced DegreeCross-functional Leadership

Required

Senior Academic Leadership: 7+ years in K–12 academic leadership (e.g., CAO, CSO, VP Academics, Head of Schools, Director-level), including managing director-level leaders

Online School Experience: Led academics for an online or hybrid K–12 school/program serving 1,000+ students (preferably multi-state)

Compliance & Accreditation: Direct experience with K–12 compliance and accreditation (state reporting, audits, site visits; multi-state exposure strongly preferred)

Technology & AI: Comfortable using data and educational technology to drive decisions, with hands-on experience implementing AI or emerging tools in a human-centered way

Mission Alignment: Clear alignment with classical / liberal arts / leadership-focused education, and a demonstrated belief in mentorship, human connection, and personalized learning

Location & Travel: U.S.-based, remote, with ability to travel periodically for site visits, Adventures events, and leadership meetings

Preferred

Experience scaling academic programs in a multi-state online or hybrid school system (e.g., growth from ~5,000 to 20,000 students)

Colorado/BOCES regulatory experience or experience working closely with charter authorizers, accreditation bodies (e.g., Cognia), or multi-state charter networks

EdTech or instructional design leadership experience, especially involving digital curriculum, learning innovation, or assessment systems

Background in classical, liberal arts, or leadership-focused education models at scale

Demonstrated success building or improving PD systems for remote faculty and academic leaders

Experience leading AI-enhanced academic initiatives, such as AI-supported curriculum development, instructional coaching, or operational efficiency improvements

Track record of cross-functional leadership with Technology, Operations, Enrollment/Marketing, and Finance teams

Advanced degree (M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D.) in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field