Vice President of Academic Innovation

Job Description

The Vice President of Academic Innovation champions academic excellence and spearheads the integration of innovative, data-driven instructional practices and artificial intelligent (AI) solutions for our schools. Reporting to the SVP, School Superintendent, this role is pivotal in fostering successful and robust relationships with school partners, while leading the development of adaptable educational models that use AI technology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Drive Implementation and Improvement
• Direct the outcome and implementation of K12 Teacher Intelligence (K12ti) and enhance the quality of instruction through academic innovations, including AI tools and instructional improvement modifications.
• Improve academic outcomes measured by Leading and Lagging Indicators (LALI) metrics, including state and local assessments.
• Ensure alignment with state and local school board standards.

Collaboration and Execution

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute comprehensive launch plans, incorporating feedback from MPS schools, early adopters, students, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with school boards and district partners as a critical liaison for AI integration strategies.

Pilot Phase Oversight

• Oversee the pilot phase of AI curriculum tools and programs, gathering feedback and driving continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure school leaders use data analytics to guide academic decisions, instructional practices, and operational structures in alignment with evolving AI technologies and state and federal guidance.

Strategy Development

• Develop strategies for successfully launching K12ti and ensuring alignment with educational standards and requirements.
• Build academic, operational, and leadership ability through strategic action planning, incorporating AI insights and tools.
• Find strategic opportunities to bolster board and district relationships with AI initiatives.

Guidance and Leadership

• Provide instructional and pedagogical guidance to developers, creators, and designers.
• Direct AI pilots throughout the academic year.
• Provide visionary leadership and guidance to school leaders, empowering them to enhance student performance and achievement through AI applications.

Advancements and Advocacy

• Stay current with advancements in AI technology and education to ensure the curriculum and programs remain relevant and practical.
• Advocate for AI-driven educational advancements in board meetings and deliver executive briefings on AI integration progress to key stakeholders.
• Participate in and lead efforts for speaking campaigns, endorsing and advancing AI in education.

Communication and Development:

• Align internal professional development with AI program improvements and K12ti efforts.
• Participate in internal and external communication as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises 3 - 6 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fifteen (15) years business or academic experience, ten (10) of leadership experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven record of accomplishment of developing successful academic leaders who drive engagement and student success
• Strong management skills including planning, directing, reporting, budgeting and administrative capabilities
• Proven leader of effective large-scale change initiatives, using communication and change management techniques successfully
• Must “own” this function and hold themselves and others accountable to developing and achieving rigorous business plans that drive continuous academic improvement
• Willing to surface innovative ideas and take controversial stands in pursuit of excellence
• Must have high integrity and build trust at all levels – internally and externally
• Online educational and charter school experience
• MS 365; Web proficiency
• Ability to travel 50% of the time
• Ability to clear required background check

Certificates and Licenses: None required.
 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Stride, Inc. considers a person’s education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position’s work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee’s salary level.  Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position’s level and expected contribution, and the employee’s benefits elections.  Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range. 

We anticipate the salary range to be $173,781.00 - $301,405.20. Eligible employees may receive a bonus.  This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off. 

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer. 

Job Type

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

Stride, Inc. is a Federal Contractor, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status age, or genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)