Chief of Staff

Position Type:
Executive

Date Posted:
11/21/2024

Location:
Administration

Chief of Staff
Position Summary:
The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves as an essential leader supporting the Superintendent in driving strategic initiatives that cultivate a culture of excellence, enhance district systems, develop people, and promote impactful learning across the district. The CoS operates as a strategic advisor, ensuring clear communication, family and community engagement, alignment of district-wide priorities, and effective operation of the Superintendent's office.

Job Responsibilities Aligned by Categories
1. Great Culture: The Chief of Staff will foster a positive and inclusive culture at OKCPS by promoting staff morale, representing the district at public engagements, and building strong relationships with community stakeholders. The CoS will champion transparency, align activities with district values, and ensure professional execution of meetings and events to reflect OKCPS's commitment to excellence and engagement.

• ?Staff Morale and Culture Building: Develop and implement strategies to promote a strong, positive culture and boost staff morale across the district. Leadership Presence: Represent the district at public events and in community engagements, serving as a thought leader and spokesperson for OKCPS.
• Relationship Management: Maintain and facilitate productive relationships with community groups, policymakers, and stakeholders, aligning activities with the district's values and goals.
• Promote Inclusivity and Engagement: Champion initiatives that encourage inclusivity and reflect the diversity of OKCPS students and staff.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a primary contact for community members, reinforcing the district's commitment to open, transparent relationships and active family and community engagement.
• Preparedness and Representation: Ensure that meetings and events are planned and executed with a focus on professionalism and excellence.

2. Great Systems: The Chief of Staff will manage the Superintendent's office operations and lead district-wide strategic planning, communication, and executive performance management. The CoS will oversee board communication, maintain transparency, prepare reports, implement policies for efficiency and accountability, and develop contingency plans for crisis management and district responses.

• Operational Oversight: Manage the operations of the Superintendent's office, including district-wide strategic planning and executive performance management.
• Strategic Planning: Conceptualizes, plans, and directs comprehensive district-wide communication and engagement strategy to support the OKCPS Board of Education, Superintendent, and other district leadership.
• Board Communication: Oversee and facilitate communication between the Superintendent's office and the Board of Education, ensuring transparency and timely updates on critical decisions and policies.
• Staff Communication and Coordination: Clearly communicate expectations and deadlines to district leaders and staff, promoting consistency and transparency.
• Documentation and Accountability: Prepare and manage reports, presentations, and updates for board meetings to maintain informed and organized governance.
• Policy and Process Implementation: Assist with developing and executing district policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Crisis Management and Planning: Anticipate potential issues and develop contingency plans for Superintendent meetings and district responses.
• District Representative: Serves as the district spokesperson internally and externally as needed.

3. Great People: The Chief of Staff will provide strategic support to the Superintendent's direct reports, aligning each leader's efforts with district goals. The CoS will serve as a key contact for staff, fostering a collaborative environment, modeling high professional standards, and leading team-building efforts. By maintaining accessibility and open communication, the CoS will build strong, trust-based relationships across the district.

• Leadership Support and Development: Provide strategic support and guidance to the Superintendent's direct reports, aligning each leader's efforts with district goals.
• Staff Communication: Serve as a key contact for district staff and department heads, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Professional Standards: Model and promote high standards of integrity, ethics, and trust.
• Talent and Team Building: Lead efforts to build and nurture a collaborative team environment among district leaders and staff.
• Building Relationships and Trust: Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships across departments by maintaining accessibility and open lines of communication.

4. Great Learning: The Chief of Staff will advise the Superintendent on key educational and operational initiatives to align with district goals for student success. The CoS will lead major cross-functional projects that enhance learning environments, establish feedback systems for continuous improvement, and advocate for student growth and equity in educational discussions and initiatives.

• Strategic Advisory Role: Advise the Superintendent on significant educational and operational initiatives, ensuring alignment with district goals for student success.
• Project Leadership: Lead and oversee major cross-functional projects aimed at improving learning environments and educational outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Establish feedback mechanisms to support continuous learning and improvement throughout the district.
• Educational Advocacy: Represent OKCPS in discussions and initiatives related to educational advancements, advocating for student growth, achievement, and equity.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities):

• Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in leadership roles
• Skills:
  • Advanced communication and presentation skills.
  • Proven leadership in strategic educational initiatives and stakeholder collaboration.
  • Strong project management and action-oriented problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and ethical practices.
  • Management and development of organizational strategic plans.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in education or a related field (Administrator or Superintendent certification preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in educational leadership roles
• Experience in urban school districts

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer.
• Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret, and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Requires some stooping, bending, stretching, and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.

Work Environment:
Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment.

Reports To: Superintendent
FSLA Status: Exempt
Compensation: 801/901
Work Days: 242
FTE: 100

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and is not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.