Chief Academic Officer
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) shall plan, organize, direct, and manage the functions and activities of the Educational Services area within the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The CAO provides executive leadership and strategic direction for:
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Accountability, Support, and Monitoring
Special Education
Head Start and Early Learning
In addition, the Educational Services area provides leadership for countywide educator development initiatives, including Beginning Teacher Induction and other programs that support the preparation, mentoring, and ongoing professional growth of educators across Los Angeles County school districts.
This position requires comprehensive, directly related, and progressively responsible administrative experience and demonstrated expertise in instructional systems, accountability frameworks, special education services, and early childhood education systems. The CAO applies this expertise to organizational leadership, policy development, systems alignment, and the establishment of measurable goals and priorities across divisions. Under the direction of the Deputy Superintendent, the CAO administers and manages, through subordinate administrators, a large and complex service area composed of multiple divisions and programs serving students from early childhood through secondary education. The CAO meets regularly with the Superintendent, Board of Education, district leaders, federal and state partners, and internal leadership to ensure alignment of services, effective implementation of regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement in student and program outcomes. Please click here for the full job description.
ABOUT LACOE
LACOE is the largest regional educational agency in the nation, serving 80 school districts and over 1.3 million students across a diverse and dynamic region. Our community spans urban, suburban, and rural areas, reflecting the full spectrum of California’s cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity. LACOE provides direct educational services to vulnerable student populations, including those in juvenile court schools, alternative education programs, and Head Start. We are deeply committed to equity, innovation, and whole-child supports. Our role includes providing fiscal oversight, professional development, policy guidance, and operational services to school districts. Collaboration with educators, families, and community partners is central to our approach. LACOE is a hub for driving countywide initiatives that strengthen public education and improve outcomes for all students.
LACOE has a General Fund budget of $734 million. To learn more about LACOE, click here.
QUALIFICATIONS
Equivalent to a master’s degree in education or a closely related field from an accredited institution; doctoral degree is preferred
Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in curriculum and instruction, accountability systems, special education, or related educational services
Successful experience as a school principal in multiple settings and experience as a district-level administrator responsible for instructional leadership across multiple schools
Experience leading large teams, managing complex budgets, and implementing systemwide initiatives is highly desirable
SALARY
The salary range for this position is $234,180 to $290,112. In addition to this salary, a generous benefits package is offered.
Los Angeles County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.