Chief Operations Officer

Primary Purpose:

 Direct and manage the operation of all business affairs, facilities, and support services of the district, including, technology risk management, child nutrition, bond project management, district-wide contract management, campus and district safety & security, maintenance, custodial, and transportation. Serve as an advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees.

 Qualifications:

 Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in a business-related field or educational administration
• Texas Association of School Business Officials certification preferred                      

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Advanced technical knowledge of school finance, budgeting, , and operations
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of risk management program development
• Knowledge of Texas workers’ compensation code
• Knowledge of ADA issues related to facilities
• Advanced knowledge and ability to work closely with third-party providers, such as custodial, maintenance and transportation providers
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to coordinate district functions
• Ability to create and maintain complex spreadsheets
• Ability to review and negotiate contracts

 Experience:

• Six or more years of public education operations, business and/or finance experience
• Campus or Central Office administrative experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

 Capital Improvement and Long-range Planning

• Direct and manage the district’s capital improvement and long-range facility planning process.
• Direct the district’s capital improvements, bond planning and execution.
• Manage and oversee all capital improvements and expenditures for the district.
• Coordinate and work with architects, engineers, and general contractors to ensure successful completion of projects on time and within budget.
• Evaluate and maintain ADA facility compliance.
• Assist with demographic studies and boundary realignment.

 Risk Management

• Direct and manage the district’s risk management, loss control, and safety programs.
• Direct workers’ compensation, unemployment, and property and casualty insurance negotiations; make sound recommendations for selection of insurance brokers and carriers.
• Work with brokers, insurers, service providers, and district personnel on the design, implementation, and monitoring of safety, loss prevention, and claims administration programs for the district.
• Coordinate with insurance carrier property loss claims filed by the district.

Fiscal Management

• Keep the superintendent informed on the operations affairs of the district.
• Maintain a continuous auditing program for all funds and assist the district’s independent and internal auditors in conducting the annual or periodic audit with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Ensure that accounting systems comply with applicable laws and regulations including Texas Education Agency Bulletin 679 and Financial Accounting Manual with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Assist in the preparation of the budget and development of long- and short-range objectives for the business operations of the district.
• Plan and conduct need assessments for improvement of district business operations.
• Work with district personnel to project student enrollments, staffing needs, building and facilities needs, energy needs, capital equipment needs, and other cost items for district and individual school improvement.
• Provide advice to upper management of loss exposure and accompanying risk regarding assets and employees. Recommend strategies to reduce these risks and loss exposures and their related costs.
• Monitor insurance program budgets and ensure that programs are cost-effective, and funds are managed prudently.
• Evaluate and negotiate utility contracts.
• Provide leadership to achieve cost-effective practices throughout the district.
• Ensure that business operations support the district’s goals and objectives.

 Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of business operations.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Monitor and review periodic claims and reports and provide trend analysis for all lines of insurance coverage.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of risk management.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required for risk management, safety grants, insurance, and transportation
• Recommend sound policies to improve district-wide programs.
• Review, edit and approve campus and district-wide contracts.
• Work with district attorneys in revising and negotiating complex contracts.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise operations department job descriptions.

• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Recruit, train, and supervise personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

 Communication

• Frequent professional written and oral communication and public speaking to campus and district administration, community, parents, district staff, and Board of Trustees
• Building and maintaining rapport with district vendors, local municipalities, and developers.
• Make frequent presentations and updates to the board of trustees and community

 Personal Qualities

• Ability to perform, communicate and maintain professional demeanor in stressful situations.

Professional Growth and Development

• Texas Association of School Business Officials professional certifications
• Advanced knowledge and continued education of state legislation as it relates to school funding, the Texas Education Code, and school law
• Involvement with Texas Association of School Administrators

 Supervisory Responsibilities:

•  Supervise and evaluate the performance of Director of Child Nutrition, Ex. Director of Technology and Coordinator of Safety & Security
• Serve as district liaison to third-party providers for maintenance and grounds, custodial services, and transportation

 Working Conditions:

 Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress. Occasional district and statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.