AOE Deputy Chief of Academics

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Deputy Chief of Academics provides senior leadership for the Agency of Education's (AOE) Academics work, overseeing major initiatives that shape curriculum, instruction, and special education statewide. This role leads planning, implementation, and organizational change across multiple divisions, ensuring work is aligned with agency priorities and improves outcomes for Vermont students. The position reports to the Secretary of Education and the Chief Academic Officer.

This role is responsible for setting long-range academic priorities, guiding large-scale projects, and managing budgets and resources to support that work. The Deputy Chief collaborates closely with agency leadership and partners across Operations, Strategy and Accountability, and Policy and Communications to coordinate initiatives, align resources, and monitor progress. The position also prepares and presents information for agency leadership and, when needed, the Legislature.

The Deputy Chief directly oversees the Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education Divisions. This includes providing statewide leadership for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related state requirements. The role supports special education systems that promote equity, effective service delivery, and compliance, including monitoring, dispute resolution, and policy development. The Deputy Chief also leads curriculum and instruction efforts focused on high-quality instructional materials and evidence-based practices, using implementation science to support sustainable change.

In addition, the Deputy Chief serves as a subject matter expert in curriculum, instruction, and special education, advising on state and federal requirements, continuous improvement efforts, and public reporting. The position may take on additional academic projects as agency needs evolve.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Work outside of normal duty hours can be anticipated during budget development time, the legislative session, and in relation to emergent federal actions. Some travel may be required for which private means of transportation should be available. Testimony before legislative committees may be required