Chief Academic Officer – Academic Leadership & Program Innovation in AI and IT

California Miramar University

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading university in San Diego seeks a Chief Academic Officer to drive academic strategy and innovation in AI and IT. This role involves overseeing all academic programs, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with leadership to align education with workforce needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in higher education leadership and a strong understanding of technology trends. Join a dynamic team committed to enhancing student outcomes and shaping the future of education.

Qualifications

8–10+ years of academic leadership in U.S. higher education required.
Track record of launching new academic programs in IT and AI.

Responsibilities

Oversee academic operations and faculty recruitment.
Lead the design and launch of new programs in AI and IT.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Doctorate preferred

Tools

LMS systems

Data analytics platforms

Job description

Chief Academic Officer – Academic Leadership & Program Innovation in AI and IT

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California Miramar University provided pay range

This range is provided by California Miramar University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$85,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from California Miramar University

HR Manager @ California Miramar University | SHRM-CP

California Miramar University (CMU) is a dynamic institution committed to providing affordable high-quality education. With a mission to deliver innovative, career-aligned education, CMU offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed for today’s workforce.

The Chief Academic Officer will serve as CMU’s senior academic strategist, reporting directly to the President and collaborating closely with the Dean and executive leadership team. This pivotal role oversees all academic programs, faculty operations, and compliance while spearheading the development and launch of new undergraduate and graduate programs inAI, IT, data science, cybersecurity, and other tech-forward business disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership & Strategy

Provide leadership and oversight for academic operations across all CMU campuses
Align academic programs with CMU’s mission and the future needs of the workforce
Shape and execute the long-term academic strategy, including digital transformation
Collaborate with executive leadership to identify high-growth program opportunities
Lead the design and launch of new undergraduate and graduate programs in IT, AI, and tech-forward business disciplines
Build curriculum informed by labor market data, employer input, and future skill trends
Integrate technology into teaching, learning, and course delivery—including AI-enhanced tools, LMS systems, and online modalities
Guide infrastructure planning to support digital instruction and academic technology
Establish academic frameworks that support job placement, microcredentials, and workforce-aligned certifications
Partner with Career Services to integrate real-world learning and job-readiness elements into academic programs
Build employer partnerships and academic-industry pipelines to strengthen graduate outcomes

Faculty Oversight & Compliance

Oversee faculty recruitment, development, performance, and instructional quality
Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and academic excellence
Ensure full compliance with accreditation standards (DEAC), federal and state regulations (BPPE, VA), and institutional best practices
Lead academic audit readiness, accreditation reporting, and continuous improvement efforts

Required Qualifications:

Education

Doctorate preferred; Master’s degree required in one of the following: Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Instructional Technology, or Educational Leadership with demonstrated IT/AI competency

Experience

8–10+ years of academic leadership in U.S. higher education (Dean, Provost, or CAO level), preferably at a for-profit or private university with multiple campuses or online programs
Track record of launching new academic or scaling academic programs in IT, AI, data science, or emerging tech disciplines
Experience managing faculty, academic systems, and curriculum innovation
Strong understanding of workforce trends and employer-driven curriculum design

Technical Competency

Strong understanding of AI and IT concepts
LMS systems (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle)
Student Information Systems (e.g., CampusVue)
Academic technologies like Turnitin, Honorlock, Grammarly
Data analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Familiarity with curriculum mapping tools (e.g., Watermark, Chalk, Taskstream)
AI literacy and applications in higher education, including predictive analytics, AI tutors, and smart content generation
Career services tech platforms (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity, PeopleGrove)

Preferred Certifications & Training

Quality Matters certification or formal instructional design training
Accreditation and compliance experience with DEAC, WSCUC, or HLC
Data literacy or analytics training (Tableau, Power BI)
Workforce development or career services certifications
Familiarity with digital badging, microcredential platforms, and EdTech governance

Core Traits for Success

Future-focused mindset and comfort with educational innovation
Strategic thinker with a strong ability to execute
Excellent communication, organizational, and conflict resolution skills
Collaborative and adaptable leadership style
Commitment to improving student outcomes and placement metrics

California Miramar University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Seniority level