Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading and ensuring all financial, operations, and management functions are operated in a legal and efficient manner. Under the direction of the Superintendent, this role plans, organizes, manages, directs and supervises the personnel, functions and activities of the Business Division – including budget development and monitoring, financial accounting, payroll, attendance, facilities and operations, purchasing and warehouse operations, risk management, transportation, nutrition services and legislative review. The COO performs other related work as required, reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools, and serves as a member of the Superintendent’s cabinet.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute plan for the finance office in alignment with the District's strategic plan. Identify current and future needs of the District and align processes and procedures.
• Direct the planning, coordination, and evaluation of the finance department including establishing, implementing, and monitoring department goals and objectives.
• Assume responsibility for budget development and long-range financial planning.
• Maintain an accounting system that conforms to state statutes and regulations, as well as statements issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Provide financial statements and report on the financial condition of the District to the Board of Education.
• Assume responsibility for the annual audit and completion of the Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR).
• Oversee all accounting operations of the District to ensure proper collection, safekeeping, and distribution of funds.
• Provide oversight and supervision of the District's supporting services, including Transportation, Food Service, and Facilities.
• Direct the administration of the District's benefit program, including facilitation of benefits committee, competitive bidding, and annual enrollment.
• Oversee the risk management program for the District, including property, liability, and worker's compensation insurance.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding financial management and adjust plans, policies, and procedures accordingly.
• Assist in the determination of the amount and duration of investments.
• Manage the District's Debt Portfolio.
• Attend meetings and make presentations to the Board of Education.
• Assist with the "Meet and Confer" process for all employee groups.
• Assist with gathering data and presenting financial information for the Interest Based Negotiations (IBN) process.
• Assist with budgeting and facilitation of contracted Transportation, Food Services, and School Age Child Care.
• Facilitate long-range planning for capital improvements throughout the District.
• Work directly with the Director of Facilities to supervise and oversee District construction projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
• Responsibilities: Supervisory Responsibilities – Director of Administrative Services, Director of Finance Services, Director of Technology, Administrative Assistant.

Required Qualifications

• Effective oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities and the capacity to lead groups and present to the Board of Education.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations, maintenance and evaluation of accounting spreadsheets, and managing a multi‐million dollar budget.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule instructions, ensuring focus and continuous learning.
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the aptitude to utilize various software programs and databases related to financial management; familiarity with state and federal fiscal regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Education or Business Degree preferred; Business Management or Finance background with preference given for advanced degrees and/or licensure.
• Qualifications: Prior experience managing or working with business operations in a public school environment and training with computer software and accounting applications.