Position Type: Executive ManagementDate Posted: 11/5/2024Location: Central OfficeCHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools SUPERVISES Facilities Management, Food Services, Security, Health and Wellness, Transportation, Information Technology, School Construction and Stewardship. POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Operations Officer (COO) will hold a critical senior leadership position in the New Haven Public School District and oversee all New Haven Public Schools operational areas. The COO will be responsible for supporting the New Haven Public School District in reaching its ambitious goals, which include transitioning the District into a variable-cost organization and reducing its fixed costs and liabilities; implementing tight financial controls to reduce wasteful spending; aligning district resources to the organizational priorities; improving operational support for schools. Additionally, the COO performs supervisory responsibilities to the New Haven Public Schools policies and applicable laws. This is an outstanding opportunity for an executive with experience managing many facets of an urban public-school organization during significant change. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree in business administration, public policy, or other similar fields, Juris Doctorate, strongly preferred
- At least five years of senior-level experience working directly with chief executive officers, superintendents, boards of directors, non-profits, or community representatives.
- Evidence of successful experience leading significant change management efforts, preferably in urban public schools or municipalities.
- Evidence of successful experience in an urban school district, non-profit organization, or higher education institution.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Advises and counsels the Superintendent regarding school operations.
- Communicates and presents information to governing bodies, policymakers, federal and state law-making bodies, local community districts, parents, news media, and other interested parties upon the Superintendent's request.
- Develops and maintains positive working relations with local, state, and federal government and community partners.
- Represents the Superintendent in functions, meetings, conferences, etc., related to operations.
- Directs the educational support management of contractors, other vendors, and school district staff in providing daily services, including student bus transportation, food service, security, custodial and grounds maintenance, and other areas as assigned.
- Develops and organizes ongoing, long-range, and preventive maintenance plans and programs for sites, buildings, and equipment, including groundskeeping, transportation, and custodial services; reports the status to the Assistant Superintendent.
- Participates, as assigned, with demographic planning.
- Administers and directs the Bond Measure program by a ballot measure.
- Prepares bid specifications for equipment and projects; coordinates bidding process with Purchasing Department.
- Negotiates contracts as appropriate; reviews billings and contract terms with contractors, vendors, etc.; confers with District legal counsel and the Assistant Superintendent, as needed and appropriate.
- Works with architects, engineers, inspectors, and consultants to develop planning and construction documentation.
- Monitors legislation and communicates its impact on education.
- Conducts staff meetings, as needed, to interpret changes in Board policy or administrative procedures, discuss developments, and evaluate trends in education as they pertain to the areas of assigned responsibility.
- Oversees compilation, preparation, and distribution of statistical and other data for federal, State Department of Education, and local reports
- Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, balancing the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and balancing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Leads the District to transition into a variable-cost organization and reduce its fixed costs and liabilities.
- Works with the finance team to implement tight financial controls to create and align district resources with the District's priorities.
- Takes on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Executive Management and Confidential Employees; 12-Month work year. Non-Bargaining Grid. The minimum starting Salary is $160,000; the Salary is commensurate with experience and the individual employment contract. EVALUATION: Evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools NOTE: The above description covers this position's principal duties and responsibilities. However, the report shall not be construed as a complete listing of all duties or contracts. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and applications are subject to change by the Superintendent of Schools. The New Haven Public Schools is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. For more information on the New Haven Public Schools, please visit our website at www.nhps.net.