Chief Operating Officer

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Grade Level/Terms of Employment:

Grade 139/260 days (12 months)

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Location:

Central Office

Immediate Supervisor:

Superintendent

General Description:The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic and results-driven leader who oversees the Facilities, Pupil Transportation, Risk Management, Procurement and Property Management, New School Construction, and Technology Services Departments, ensuring efficient internal operations that support teaching and learning. This role provides vision, management, and leadership to enhance service delivery and align operations with Richmond Public Schools' strategic goals. The COO also serves as a member of the Superintendent's Leadership Team, helping drive key decisions of the Division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and direction to the Facilities, Pupil Transportation, Risk Management, Procurement and Property Management, New School Construction, and Technology Services Departments.
• Oversees all short and long-range planning development and execution concerning new construction, modernization of aging facilities, maintenance of existing facilities, and performance of renovations to accommodate changing program needs and to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
• Oversees the preparation of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for submission to the Superintendent.
• Oversees all aspects of student transportation, including transportation for educational and athletic field trips, contracted transportation, and daily transportation to/from school, pursuant to federal and state statutes, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Oversees and manages the procurement department, ensuring efficient and cost-effective sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and contract management to support organizational goals and operational excellence.
• Oversees the technology services department, ensuring the alignment of IT strategies with organizational goals to drive innovation, executing the comprehensive IT strategy, focusing on infrastructure, data security, digital transformation, and system integration.
• Oversees the risk management department, developing and executing comprehensive risk strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks across the Division.
• Coaches department directors to manage their teams effectively, including developing skills such as delivering critical feedback effectively and setting and monitoring ambitious team goals.
• Develops and implements plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and organizational structure within the department to accommodate both department and division goals.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, and files related to assigned activities; compiles data and prepares detailed reports regarding assigned activities.
• Develops and prepares departmental budgets; analyzes and reviews budgetary and financial data; authorizes and controls expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by keeping current with the literature and new research findings.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7 years of supervisory/administrative/leadership experience in education, business, corporate, nonprofit, or public administration.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration or public administration is preferred.
• Prior experience in educational settings and/or collaboration with schools is preferred.
• Ability to effectively coach, develop, and evaluate staff.
• Broad experience working effectively with diverse individuals and the community.
• Professionalism, commitment to continuous improvement, and openness to feedback.
• Excellent communication (verbal, written, and presentation) skills, including the ability to compose and present reports and effective, visually appealing presentations using multimedia technology.
• Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable.

Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.