Chief Academic & Innovation Officer

Purpose and Scope The Chief Academic and Innovation Officer (CAIO) is the senior executive responsible for advancing the academic vision, intellectual identity, and innovation agenda of LSC‑Online. Reporting directly to the President, the CAIO serves as the institution’s primary architect of pedagogical transformation, leading the design and implementation of emerging instructional models, technology‑integrated learning environments, and workforce‑aligned academic pathways that position LSC‑Online as a national leader among fully online community colleges. Essential Job Functions Serve as LSC‑Online’s chief architect of academic innovation, providing executive leadership for the identification, design, piloting, and institutional scaling of emerging instructional models, including Competency‑Based Education (CBE), Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), HyFlex modalities, AI‑enhanced learning environments, and adaptive courseware. Lead the implementation of innovative learning models, accelerated education, digitally‑enabled education in a multi‑lane/multi‑channel format. Lead the ongoing development and articulation of LSC‑Online’s academic identity, ensuring the institution is positioned as a thought leader in fully online community college education at the state and national levels. Develop and maintain a multi‑year Academic Innovation Roadmap aligned to LSCS “Do the Thing & Be the Bridge” strategic plan, THECB Building a Talent‑Strong Texas, and House Bill 8 workforce outcomes requirements. Oversee the LSC‑Online HyFlex Center of Excellence initiative, providing executive sponsorship for implementation, faculty development, technical infrastructure, and system‑wide knowledge transfer. Lead implementation and scaling plans across its full three‑phase lifecycle (2025‑2030), ensuring institutional readiness, faculty alignment, and student outcome measurement. Provide strategic direction for the Office of Instructional Design, Digital Learning, and Academic Technology, ensuring that technology investments are pedagogically grounded and aligned to measurable learning outcomes. Champion the adoption and ethical integration of artificial intelligence tools into instructional design, faculty workflows, and student learning environments, establishing institutional policy frameworks that balance innovation with academic integrity. Lead the development and implementation of LSC‑Online’s Open Educational Resources (OER) and zero‑cost course material strategy, advancing affordability and access without compromising instructional quality. Ensure that digital learning environments, learning management systems, and instructional tools meet accessibility standards, including compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Lead the development of industry‑aligned academic programs and stackable credentials that respond to Texas regional workforce demands and satisfy the outcomes‑based funding metrics established under Texas HB 8. Culture and manage strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, and sector‑specific workforce boards to ensure that LSC‑Online’s program portfolio reflects current and emerging labor market needs. Oversee prior learning assessment (PLA) strategy and implementation, including credit for industry certifications, apprenticeships, and experiential learning, expanding access to credential completion for adult and working learners. Collaborate with the THECB, the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) initiative, and relevant state agencies to position LSC‑Online as a preferred provider for workforce development programming. Perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of teaching and learning theories specific to online, accelerated, competency‑based, and non‑traditional program models. Skills in new program development, instructional design evaluation, and application of emerging technology, including AI‑enhanced learning and adaptive learning platforms, to improve access and outcomes. Knowledge of alternative credentialing models including micro‑credentials, stackable credentials, and prior learning assessment. Ability to establish and scale new academic operations with a start‑up mindset, including developing strategy, building teams, and executing with limited resources. Ability to anticipate and respond to shifts in higher education policy, workforce demands, and student demographics with innovative, data‑informed solutions. Skills in designing integrated systems and processes that improve operational efficiency and academic quality simultaneously. Advanced proficiency in data analytics to drive enrollment pipeline development, stop‑out recovery, and retention strategy. Ability to translate data into executive‑level reporting and actionable recommendations for institutional stakeholders. Skills in cross‑functional executive leadership, including system‑level coordination, accreditor relations, and board‑level reporting. Proven effectiveness in budget ownership, resource allocation, and revenue‑generation strategies aligned with institutional growth goals. Ability to establish direction, set priorities, and lead high‑output teams in a demanding, fast‑paced environment. Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners while maintaining clear executive accountability and institutional direction. Strong initiative, autonomy, and capacity to maintain strategic focus while managing multiple concurrent priorities. Physical Abilities The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books or small parts, or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Work Schedule and Conditions Equipment used includes a PC workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, calculator, phone, and other general office equipment. Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position. Work is performed in a climate‑controlled office with minimal exposure to safety hazards. Required Qualifications Master’s degree and at least 10 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience must include at least 5 years in a management level position. Experience must include at least 5 years in multiple areas of Academic Affairs and Academic Operations within an academic environment. Experience must include at least 3 years in developing courses and programs in an online and/or an accelerated environment. Experience must include at least 3 years in a project management capacity, leading projects from initiation to closing. Experience teaching online, adult, or accelerated programs. Preferred Qualifications Doctoral degree. At least 5 years of experience as a Dean or other Academic Affairs leader with an understanding of the creation and management of academic programs, or equivalent experience in online or alternative education leadership. Experience developing and implementing an online learning strategy at a comprehensive college or university. Demonstrated track record of successful online program development and implementation, start‑up organizations with strong positive results. Experience working with online pedagogy, instructional design, and learning management systems. Experience with SACSCOC accreditation processes, compliance requirements, and quality enhancement planning. Salary Hiring salary range is $130,146 - $149,668. Benefits The institution provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays and vacation days, wellness programs, tuition waiver, and professional development opportunities. EEO Statement Lone Star College is an EEO Employer. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr