Rochambeau, The French International School of Washington, DC (Rochambeau), has an opening for its Chief Academic Officer.
Location: Bethesda, MD
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Type: Full-time; Exempt; Director-level
Salary Information: The salary range is $180,000- $220,000 USD annually, with a 5% additional incentive bonus.
Benefits: In addition to base compensation, this position is eligible for: paid time off, paid holidays, incentive pay, and health and retirement benefits enrollment, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 403(b) plan with 5% match.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all academic programs across all divisions (Nursery, Elementary, and Secondary Schools). Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the CAO ensures congruency between Rochambeau's board-approved mission statement and all pedagogical activities. The CAO motivates academic staff toward educational excellence, maintains program accreditations (French Ministry of Education, IB, etc.), supervises school directors and faculty, and drives strategic initiatives that support holistic student growth and university outcomes worldwide.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESPlease note that these are intended as representative duties and do not encompass every aspect of the role. You may be required to perform additional or differing duties if they are related, similar, or logically assigned to the position.
- Oversee the academic activities of all the school programs, including the French programs accredited by the Ministry of Education of France and the IB programs at all levels (Nursery, Elementary, and Secondary schools).
- Implement the academic objectives of the school as defined in the school strategic plan approved by the Board of Trustees.
- Ensure the compliance of all school programs with all accreditations.
- Work to ensure that all academic systems are run with efficiency and purpose.
- Supervise the academic team, composed of all school directors and faculty.
- Supervise the organization of all exams and certifications for Rochambeau.
- Recommend to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees changes to academic programs that are necessary to meet the academic excellence that is the hallmark of Rochambeau.
- Recruit, evaluate, and retain the best faculty to ensure the implementation of the school's academic goals, curricula, and commitment to Rochambeau's vision, mission, and strategic aims.
- Oversee the academic budgets and resource allocation.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, school-wide professional development strategy.
- Annually analyze the academic programs and the academic performance data in the school using Key Performance Indicators.
- Supervise the College Counseling department to ensure strategic alignment between academic pathways (French Baccalaureate, IB) and global university admission requirements, optimizing student placement in higher education worldwide
- Provide strategic oversight of Student Support Services.
- Evaluate the school's use of educational technology and identify opportunities to enhance its strategic and pedagogical impact.
- Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements:
- Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
- Previous leadership experience as a Head of School, Chief Academic Officer, or senior academic director in a school accredited by the French Ministry of Education (Éducation Nationale), preferably in an international setting.
- Deep knowledge of and direct experience with the French Educational Curriculum.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
- Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational leadership skills. Holds self and others accountable to accomplish results.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive information.
- Regular, predictable, and reliable in-person attendance at work, including the willingness to work evenings and weekends for school events as needed.
- Three Professional References (name, position, contact number, and email) listed on your CV/resume.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Higher degree in Educational Leadership or a related administrative field.
- Direct leadership experience with International Baccalaureate (IB) program management and curriculum integration.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position operates in a professional office and school environment. The role requires the ability to move across campuses for events, meetings, and tours, sit or stand for prolonged periods, and occasionally lift or move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
SPECIAL NOTES
In accordance with Maryland House Bill 486, Rochambeau is required to contact all former employers to request information relating to child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving the applicant. If you would like additional information, please visit House Bill 486.
All final candidates will be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions will also be asked.
