Deputy Chief Academic Officer, New Jersey Programming

About Mastery:

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. 

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices. 

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated. 

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Position Summary: 

Mastery Charter Schools seeks a highly skilled educator and network leader to serve as a Deputy Chief Academic Officer (DCAO) overseeing academic programming for our schools in Camden, NJ. The DCAO is a senior instructional leader and driver in the ongoing development and improvement of Mastery’s academic model.   The DCAO will oversee the academic arm of a new functional area at Mastery charged with ensuring Mastery’s programming is customized to meet NJ DOE requirements and the needs of students attending our NJ schools. 

Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the Deputy Chief will collaboratively lead the design of the New Jersey program model – developing its vision, strategy, interim goals – and support continual improvement efforts as it navigates its first years of operations.  The Deputy Chief will support Mastery’s short- and long-term academic strategy by managing projects identified as high priority to our NJ schools or to the improvement of our model. The Deputy Chief also leads new program innovations and initiatives; work may include program design and development, curriculum and assessment strategy, leader professional development, and educator training. The Deputy Chief works closely with the Regional Schools Team (who supervise and support schools) and school leaders to ensure the effective implementation of the program model. 

• The Deputy Chief will support the ongoing development of the Mastery academic model, particularly program design and implementation for Mastery Schools in NJ. Work may include the development and implementation of curriculum, programming, assessment, and experiences for NJ academic programming. 

• The Deputy Chief will: 
• In collaboration with the CAO, develop the academic vision, strategy, and interim goals for the inaugural New Jersey Network Support Team which will support the achievement of Mastery NJ’s Plan 2029 goals. 
• Directly supervise a team, aligned to a shared vision for instructional excellence.   
• Ensure team roles and responsibilities are strategically designed to execute on its vision and strategy. 
• Identify opportunities for improving and tailoring programs that comprehensively meet NJDOE mandates and ensure students are receiving top-notch programming, aligned to their needs. 
• Oversee program model adoption and ensure program model is effective at the school level by creating systems to monitor program success, solicit school leader feedback, and project-manage innovation pilots. 
• Develop trainings for school leaders and teaching staff to ensure the effective implementation of the program model and their professional efficacy. 
• Facilitate school leader professional development, team meetings, and other trainings with network leaders. 
• Provide direct, high-impact coaching to school leaders. 
• Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and other academic team members on an ongoing basis to improve Mastery’s systems and model. 
• Collaborate with a cross functional team of Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and the Camden Regional Schools Officer in service of overall NJ NST strategic goals. 
• Participate as a member of Mastery’s Executive Team, which steers the organization’s strategy and execution. 

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant professional education and experience in curricula and assessment, instruction, school programming, and school leadership. 
• Leadership experience in NJ schools or school systems and familiarity with NJDOE program requirements. 
• Urban teaching experience 
• Strong knowledge of effective teaching methods and intervention strategies 
• Familiarity with Common Core Standards, New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and ISTE standards. 
• Familiarity with common national education programs and products 
• A proven track record of achieving measurable results 
• Significant experience managing and leading a large team to meet aggressive goals 
• Unwavering commitment to students’ success and belief in Mastery Charter Schools’ mission 
• Experience in the field of education technology (preferred) 
• New Jersey Principal certification is preferred 

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing.
• Must have access to a vehicle (and valid driver’s license) for traveling between campuses. 

Mastery's Benefits Package:

We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!

Annual Calendar:

As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our Calendar for the 24/25 School Year. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!

Why You Should Apply:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.