Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Description

What if I told you it is possible to find a Company that lived to educate, inspire and empower others while creating a family atmosphere that truly appreciates and respects their team? Would you apply? What if I threw in strong Company values, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity for you to make a tangible impact and feel appreciated?

See below for a feel of what the Company culture is (REALLY) like. Hint: it's amazing.

At Westcliff, we are constantly striving to be the best while valuing each of our team members as human beings and succeeding together!

Westcliff is a leader in innovative global education. We are respected for our transformative, technologically advanced programs and initiatives with a focus on excellence, and social responsibility. Our tagline – “Educate. Inspire, Empower.” – is a summary of our Mission Statement. As it suggests, the main focus of our University is to strive to enhance the opportunities of our students and employees to enjoy success through empowerment, as a result of their education and hard work.

By joining the Westcliff team, you’ll be playing a significant role in our growth, having an opportunity to put your personal touch on Westcliff’s progress as we grow and succeed together!

Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) reports directly to the President/CEO is will be the principal leader with oversight for

the infrastructure and systems that support the academic mission. Additionally, this individual will coordinate, define

and communicate integrated plans for the growth and development in all educational areas.

The CAO Provide leadership in enrollment planning, educational planning activities, program and course development

functions, curriculum and information, and schedule development to meet students and faculty needs to enhance the

educational effectiveness of instructional subject areas; direct the development and implementation of instructional

programs, services, plans, strategies, processes, projects, courses, goals and objectives. The ideal candidate combines both strategic thinking and strong execution skills across various forms of education styles. This position supports and serves all Westcliff University campuses and affiliated locations as part of its assigned responsibilities.

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 instructionalsupports 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 ev