Chief Operations Officer

General Definition of Work The Chief Operations Officer, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school system. This includes providing leadership and oversight to department heads in construction management, facilities, maintenance, transportation, school nutrition, warehouse services, custodial services, logistics, environmental health and risk management, graphic productions, capital projects, safety, CMS Police, and other operational divisions of the school district. The employee is a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to a wide variety of programs and activities under the direction of the Superintendent.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status PG 15/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To Superintendent

Place of Work The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures

Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned departments/staff

Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements

Direct and lead the development of goals, the preparation of short and long-range plans, and the implementation of programs and services

Advise the superintendent and board on operations matters of the district

Oversee the implementation of the district’s policy and procedures related to Minority, Women, and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Owned Business Enterprises within all areas of operations

Oversee district Safety/CMS Police/Emergency Response

Act as liaison with the superintendent, board, other district departments, and outside agencies/organizations on matters related to facilities, construction management, transportation, and maintenance, etc.

Communicate/problem solve with stakeholders and other community members and conduct presentations, information sharing services as needed/required

Collaborate, monitor, and provide input on policies impacting assigned area

Coordinate the development and/or implementation of site-based safe school programs

Maintain visibility in schools, areas of business operations and community

Administer cost-effective and timely implementation of all projects and strategic plan initiatives pertaining to and within all areas of operations

Serve, upon assignment by the superintendent, as a resource person to various public interest groups

Attend meetings in the absence of the superintendent to represent the district, making presentations and respond to public inquiries regarding district operations

Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required

Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required

Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly

Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training

Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations

Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies

Comprehensive knowledge of in-house and outsourced services, acquisition/strategic planning, design/construction operations; capital/long-range maintenance programs, master planning; logistics, custodial/facility maintenance services, energy programs, real estate, disaster preparedness, school safety, transportation, and school nutrition

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system operations

Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding facilities and construction management

Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards

Considerable knowledge of the formal bidding process and of local, state and federal guidelines as well as knowledge on school construction bonds

Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress

Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor

Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs

Ability to develop and monitor a budget

Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others

Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums

Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment

Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business

Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy

Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs

Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in education required

Master’s degree in School Administration or related area preferred

NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) preferred

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as building or district administrator preferred

Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation

Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings