(DOE-011-26) Assistant Commissioner (Chief Academic Officer) at New Jersey Department of Education

Assistant Commissioner (Chief Academic Officer)

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) serves as the State Education Department's senior executive responsible for defining, advancing, and delivering the Department's academic vision, ensuring all students are safe, supported, and successful and achieve academic excellence across New Jersey. The CAO is responsible for the strategic design and statewide implementation of academic standards, high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) adoption, professional learning systems, and district and student support. The CAO serves as a key advisor to the Commissioner on all matters of instructional policy and practice. This is a broad, high-impact executive role requiring deep expertise in curriculum and instruction, special education, and large-scale program management. This role also requires relational skills to build trust with a diverse landscape of district leaders, practitioners, community stakeholders, and state and federal partners. The CAO leads a multi-disciplinary division of curriculum specialists, professional learning designers, and student support staff, and is expected to model the instructional vision they champion across the state.

Core Responsibilities:

• Set and continuously refine the Department's academic vision and instructional strategy
• Ensure instructional coherence through standards, curriculum, and high-quality materials
• Oversee a comprehensive system of student supports, including special populations
• Lead the full educator pipeline from preparation through development and retention
• Drive delivery, performance, and field engagement to ensure impact on student outcomes

Requirements

Education

Master's degree or higher in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Education Policy, or a closely related field.

Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in curriculum, instruction, or academic program leadership, with at least five (5) years in a senior leadership or management role. Demonstrated expertise in K12 curriculum design, standards development, and the selection and implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Proven experience designing and scaling professional learning systems for educators and instructional leaders. Track record of building and sustaining effective district support relationships in a state agency, regional education service center, or large district central office context. Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams in a government or complex organizational setting.

Preferred Education/Experience

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field. Prior experience in a state education agency or large urban district central office with responsibility for academic programming at scale. Deep knowledge of foundational literacy research, structured literacy approaches, and evidence-based early reading instruction. Experience leading statewide or multi-district HQIM adoption initiatives, including navigating the political and cultural dimensions of curriculum change. Familiarity with federal education law and grant requirements relevant to academic programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, and ESSA consolidated planning requirements. Track record of publication, conference presentation, or recognized leadership in the national curriculum and instruction field.

Employee Benefits

As a NJ State Department, NJDOE offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Pension, Deferred Compensation, Health (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Tuition Reimbursement*, Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA), 13 paid holidays, Benefit Leave (vacation days, sick days and administrative leave days), Telework*, Alternate Work Week Program* *Pursuant to Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

Open to the Following

In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed above.

Authorization to Work

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for work visas.

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the NJ "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program, visit their website at: nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: [email protected], or call the Civil Service Commission at (609)-292-4144, option 3.

EOE/AA Statement

The New Jersey State Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has an Affirmative Action Program, and will not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, religion, color, national origin/nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender (including pregnancy), marital status/civil union partnership, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership status, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability, (including perceived disability, physical, mental, and/or intellectual disabilities), or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, and is committed to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.