Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Westcliff University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Westcliff University in California is seeking a Chief Academic Officer (CAO) to lead the academic mission and ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction and educational services. The CAO will oversee curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning, fostering student success across all campuses.

The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in higher education, with a strong focus on academic excellence and institutional growth. The position entails engaging with faculty and stakeholders to align educational priorities with institutional objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a higher education context.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, instructional strategy, and academic standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee academic mission and infrastructure at Westcliff University.
• Develop a comprehensive academic strategy for student success.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership in education

Curriculum development

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Cultural proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Education or related field

Job description

Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Reports directly to the President/CEO. The CAO is the principal leader for the academic mission, overseeing infrastructure and systems that support enrollment, curriculum, schedule, and instructional services across Westcliff University campuses.

Provides leadership in enrollment planning, educational planning activities, program and course development, curriculum and informational services, and schedule development to meet students and faculty needs. Directs development and implementation of instructional programs, services, plans, strategies, processes, projects, courses, goals and objectives.

Combines strategic thinking and strong execution skills across various educational styles to support and serve all Westcliff University campuses and affiliated locations.

Equity Leadership and Student Success

• Cultivate a commitment among all staff and faculty to enable all students to achieve high standards.
• Confront preconceptions and model open dialogue around race, culture, class and other issues of difference.
• Operate with a lens of cultural proficiency, sensitivity, and equity to ensure students’ needs are met.

Instructional Leadership

• Develop and implement a vision for the Westcliff instructional and curriculum and set a compelling vision and goals for the Chief Academic Office to ensure rigorous and standards‑aligned instruction and instructional supports in every classroom, for every student.
• Direct academic service areas (i.e., instructional improvement, curriculum and instruction, professional development, exceptional faculty and student experience).
• Assume leadership role on the Executive team responsible for assisting with long‑range strategic planning, developing system‑wide budgets, plans, policies and activities.
• Deliver written and oral presentations on academic accountability to various stakeholders.
• Apply research and best practices to inform theories of pedagogy and ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality instruction aligned with key standards.
• Serve as the key spokesperson for Westcliff’s Advisory Board and the community regarding all educational issues.

Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive academic strategy that supports growth, student success, educational quality, innovation, accreditation readiness, and institutional sustainability.
• Lead institutional and academic planning efforts informed by data analytics, enrollment trends, market intelligence, workforce demands, and student outcomes.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for new academic programs, instructional modalities, partnerships, and initiatives that enhance institutional competitiveness and expand learner access.
• Align academic priorities with financial planning, resource allocation, operational capabilities, and strategic enrollment objectives.
• Monitor emerging trends in higher education, regulatory developments, accreditation standards, and evolving educational practices to proactively position the University for future success.
• Establish measurable goals, institutional KPIs, and accountability frameworks to evaluate academic performance and strategic execution.
• Drive organizational effectiveness through continuous improvement initiatives and scalable academic operating models.

Faculty Oversight and Development

• Oversee the hiring, development, and retention of faculty members to ensure a high‑performing faculty that meets the university's academic standards.
• Create a supportive environment that encourages faculty development and professional growth, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Work closely with faculty to develop, assess, and revise curriculum and instruction based on latest educational trends and student needs, fostering open communication between faculty and administration.
• Conduct regular faculty performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and recognizing excellence.
• Promote faculty research and scholarship, assisting in securing funding or resources when necessary.
• Advocate for faculty needs and interests, ensuring their perspectives are incorporated into strategic decision‑making at the executive level.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory guidelines, and institutional policies among the faculty.

Continuous Improvement for School Support

• Establish direction for school improvement efforts by monitoring the progress of school performance, student achievement objectives and academic excellence indicators to align strategies for school improvement.
• Create the conditions that enable all educators to provide rigorous, authentic, and personalized experiences for all students.
• Create opportunities for faculty to reflect on their practice while engaging in the systemic improvement of practice over time in every classroom.
• Strategically manage and allocate resources (including money, people, time, etc.) aligned to students’ needs.
• Ensure the university meets and exceeds the standards set forth by internal governance, accreditation, and other regulatory bodies.

Talent Management and Professional Learning

• Build and lead a highly effective, innovative academic services department that is assessed on the ability to continually improve instructional practices.
• Support staff to develop, implement, and evaluate project plans and strategy to achieve goals and objectives.
• Build the capacity of faculty and leaders to implement inclusive practices for students needs and experience.
• Provide input on professional development activities for Westcliff by partnering with leadership to create institution‑wide professional development programs, ensuring a robust, systemic approach.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Job requirements may be adjusted to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Continued employment remains on an at‑will basis unless otherwise specified by written agreement.

Westcliff University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.