POSITION TITLE: Chief Operations Officer

F.L.S.A.: Exempt Professional

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent - Finance

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education Leadership, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, preferably in a K-12 educational environment.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising diverse operational functions such as facilities, technology, transportation, or nutrition services.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to K-12 operations.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships.
• Proficiency in using technology to manage operations and analyze data.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the school district’s executive leadership team, responsible for directing and coordinating operational services to support the district’s educational mission. The COO provides strategic leadership, and oversight for information technology, nutrition services, student transportation, community services, and school facilities to ensure efficient, safe, and effective operations. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to promote operational excellence and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Leadership and Planning:
• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with the district’s mission and goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams to foster innovation, efficiency, sustainability and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and other executive leaders to ensure alignment of operations with instructional priorities.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for facilities, incorporating demographic trends, educational needs, and financial forecasting.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Serve as a liaison between all operational departments (Technology, Nutrition Services, Student Transportation, School Facilities, Community Services) and district leadership, building leaders, and the community.
• Oversee all phases of construction and renovation projects, ensuring they are completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards. In addition, ensure coordination and communication between district departments, schools and contractors.
• Develops a wide variety of documents and presentation materials, independently and/or through delegation to other personnel (e.g. plans, proposals, policies, budgets, grant opportunities, procedures, forms, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs.
• Participates as a member or facilitator in meetings, workshops and seminars that frequently involve a range of issues (e.g. financial processes, goals attainment, problem resolution, personnel and staffing, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Maintain open communication with staff, parents, and stakeholders to address concerns and provide updates on initiatives.

Compliance and Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies across supervised departments.
• Identify and mitigate risks to district operations, including safety, financial, and operational risks.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans for operational areas.
• Researches a wide variety of business resource topics (e.g. policies, public accounting practices, guidelines and regulations, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and established guidelines, securing information for planning, and/or responding to requests.

Resource Management:
• Develop and oversee budgets for all supervised departments, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Focus on sustainable practices in facility management, transportation, and resource use.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement operational efficiencies.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular updates to district leadership.
• Performs a wide variety of personnel functions (e.g. recruiting, interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing personnel productivity and achieving objectives within budget.
• Champion equitable practices and sustainable operations in facilities, transportation, and resource allocation, promoting inclusivity and environmental stewardship district wide.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position must perform in carrying out the essential job duties and responsibilities listed above.

Environment:
• Office environment at the district office and other locations as needed (indoor frequently, outdoor occasionally);
• Demanding timelines;
• Subject to frequent interruptions and daily contact with staff and public;
• School sites and other district facilities;
• Public spaces.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to push, pull, and transport instructional and/or presentation materials up to ten (10) lbs. on a regular basis and up to forty (40) lbs. occasionally
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation
• Ability to understand speech at normal levels
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop, and reach
• Ability to drive a personal vehicle to conduct business
• Generally, the job requires 40 percent sitting, 30 percent walking, and 30 percent standing

Working Conditions:
• Extended viewing of computer monitors and audio/visual equipment;
• Working with and around office equipment having moving parts