Chief Operating Officer

CLASSIFICATION CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER SUMMARY

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) serves as a strategic leader on the Superintendent's team, responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective operation of multiple key departments within the school district. The COO is tasked with ensuring operational efficiency and the alignment of these departments with the district's educational goals and mission. This role requires a dynamic, systems-oriented leader to provide vision, direction, and oversight for Communications, Facilities, Food Services, Student Health Services, School Safety, Student Placement and Enrollment, Strategic Project Management Office, Technology, and Transportation.

REPORTS TO:

• Superintendent

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's Degree in Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field.
• Five years of progressive management experience.
• Five years of experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Experience facilitating the development, implementation and monitoring of strategic plans across multiple departments aligned to support district vision and strategies.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that meets the minimum requirements will be accepted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in operations management, with a strong background in managing multiple departments within a K-12 environment.
• Experience working in a school district or similar educational environment is highly preferred.
• Experience working with technology infrastructure and information systems. Experience leading operational process improvement initiatives.
• Professional certifications in School Operations or Facilities Management are a plus.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, project management, and staff leadership.
• Experience with Labor Relations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UPON HIRE:

• FBI fingerprint background check (at employee's expense).
• Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS THE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED.
Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide overall leadership and management for the following departments: Communications, Facilities, Food Services, Student Health Services, School Safety, Student Placement and Enrollment, Strategic Project Management Office, Technology, and Transportation.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure that all operational departments work cohesively to support the district's educational and financial goals.
• Advise the Superintendent and Governing Board on operational matters, trends, and recommendations for improvement.
• Create a service-oriented environment in the operational support systems to enable schools and students to succeed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of private firms, governmental agencies, municipalities, community groups, and other stakeholders in furtherance of district initiatives.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent's Leadership Team.

Communications:

• Oversee the creation and delivery of internal and external communications that effectively convey the district's vision, achievements, policies, and other important updates.
• Ensure timely and transparent communication with stakeholders including parents, students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Facilities Management:

• Supervise the management of district facilities, ensuring that buildings are safe, functional, and conducive to learning.
• Oversee long-term capital improvement projects, maintenance, and custodial services.

Food Services:

• Manage and enhance district-wide food services, ensuring compliance with health regulations and providing nutritious and appealing meal options to students.
• Oversee budgeting, procurement, and operational efficiency within food service operations. Student Health Services:
• Oversee the management of health services for students, ensuring that all health and safety protocols are followed, and that student wellness needs are met.
• Manage district health programs, including vaccination requirements, mental health services, and emergency health procedures. School Safety:
• Ensure that the district maintains a comprehensive safety program, including physical security, emergency response plans, and disaster preparedness.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders to ensure safe learning environments.
• Ensure that the safety of students and employees remains a high district priority and works to minimize risk factors.

Student Placement and Enrollment:

• Oversee the student enrollment process, ensuring compliance with district policies, and efficient allocation of resources to meet student needs.
• Manage student placement and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities across schools.

Strategic Project Management Office (PMO):

• Lead the Strategic PMO to oversee and drive key district initiatives and projects to completion, ensuring that projects meet deadlines, stay within budget, and deliver expected outcomes.
• Coordinate with all departments to prioritize and align district initiatives with the strategic goals. Technology:
• Direct the district's technology strategy, including the integration and implementation of educational technologies, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and staff training.
• Oversee the provision of technical support to ensure that the district's technology resources are reliable and meet the needs of staff and students. Transportation:
• Oversee the district's transportation services, including the efficient routing and scheduling of buses, safety compliance, and transportation of students with special needs.
• Manage contracts with third-party transportation vendors as necessary.

MENTAL TASKS

• Communicates. Reads. Comprehends. Performs functions from written, graphic and oral instructions and from observing others.
• Evaluates written materials. Ability to effectively communicate in group and individual settings.
• Reviews appropriate documents, forms and reports. Public speaking, critical thinking and interpersonal dynamics.

PHYSICAL TASKS

• Work involves the performance of duties where physical exertion is not normally required to perform all aspects of the job.
• Assistance is available as required to perform physically demanding tasks. Work involves sitting for extended periods of time, requires moving from one location to another, reaching, stooping, bending, and holding and grasping objects.
• Visual weakness must not prohibit the performance of assigned duties.
• Verbal communicative ability may be required of public contact positions.

EQUIPMENT, AIDS, TOOLS, MATERIALS:

• Uses standard office equipment. Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite, including Work, Excel, Outlook and Power Point.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Indoor. Office environment. Exposure to noise. Contact with employees, students, community and the public.

CONTROL, SUPERVISION

• Supervisory control of staff, which includes interviewing, selecting, training, directing and appraising work, handling employee complaints, disciplining staff and providing for safety and security.