Chief Operating Officer - School Operations

Chief Operating Officer

Supervisor: Head of School

Supervisory Responsibilities: Operations Staff

Duration: 12 months .

Location: Onsite - Richmond, VA, 23226, USA

Standard work week, 7:30AM - 4:30PM M-F. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel may be required.

School domain and Government agecny experience is preferred

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the smooth and successful daily running of the school's campus and facilities.
• Provide strategic analysis and management of School operations by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and metrics.
• Supervise and mentor the Managers of Facilities, Transportation, and Custodial and support their teams in their short-term and long-term projects.
• Perform contract negotiations and management for all major service providers (food service, housekeeping, grounds services, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with all codes and regulations governing the use, construction, maintenance, and improvement of the site and facilities.
• Foster, maintain, and manage relationships with State, City, and local community organizations and representatives.
• Lead the Safety and Security Planning Committee to support campus safety and risk management efforts, including oversight of the school's campus safety equipment - video cameras, electronic doors, alarms, etc.
• Serve in a leadership role on the Emergency Response Team including physical safety emergencies, weather emergencies, and health emergencies as well as taking responsibility for designing and implementing fire-related protocols and drills, weather-related protocols and drills, campus lockdown procedures, and campus evacuation procedures.
• Collaborate with CFO and Head of School on the annual budget for operations, facilities, and transportation expenses and the School's short-and long-term strategic operational models, including capital projects.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development in capital campaign planning and fundraising related to campus operations.
• Ensure support for managing special events held on campus.
• Manage all purchasing for FFE (Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment) for School operations.
• Provide logistical oversight for all major School events (program, advancement, facility rentals, etc.).
• Provide direction and guidance to the School community, for stewardship in resources, waste management, and energy management.
• Serve as the administrative liaison to the Buildings and Grounds committee of the Board of Governors and attends Board meetings.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and other senior administrators by providing tactical and strategic leadership regarding personnel management and staffing, including hiring and human resources support.
• Serve as a risk mitigation leader, working closely with the health team, insurance and legal representatives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Serve on the Head of School's Executive Leadership Team.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful listener and detail-oriented team player who is able to prioritize competing tasks. An ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and vendors, both orally and in writing, is essential. Professionalism, a positive outlook, and a "can do" approach are highly valued. We seek a data and outcomes-driven colleague who enjoys being part of a highly collaborative team, with a commitment to the School's mission.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years of senior-level management experience
• Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively
• Strong understanding of financial systems, capital management, and budgeting
• Excellent communication skills: written, oral, and presentation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Experience in the development of analysis for strategic decision-making, such as key cost drivers, competitive analysis, market analysis, and organizational strengths and weaknesses
• Proficient knowledge of relevant software applications and technological platforms
• Ability to supervise, manage, and delegate multiple functions and activities
• Ability to work collegially in a diverse and lively independent school setting
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, parents, and trustees

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in school operations
• Independent school experience