Chief Academic Officer; CAO

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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,…