Chief Operations Officer

Job Description:

The Chief of Operations (COO) serves as a key member of the Superintendent's executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership and oversight of all operational functions that support the educational mission of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). The COO ensures that operational systems; including facilities, maintenance, transportation, school nutrition, and safety and security are efficient, equitable, and aligned with ACPS's Strategic Plan.

The COO plays a critical role in advancing organizational effectiveness through sound management, data-driven decision-making, and a continuous improvement mindset that fosters safe, supportive, and high-performing learning environments for all students and staff. This is a 12-month, 240 day position within ACPS Central Office.

The Department of Facilities and Operations is committed to:

• Working collaboratively with stakeholders and engaging families in an effort to support the education delivered to students.
• Developing specific practices, protocols, and programs within school campuses that promote safety, security, optimal maintenance and cleanliness, care of Division facilities, and healthfulness.
• Ensuring that messaging and guidance surrounding our operations is proactive, accessible, translated, engaging, recognizable, and updated.
• Instituting a regularly scheduled school/student training to encourage good stewardship of our facilities.
• Providing safe, modern, and instructionally sound facilities and buses for all students and staff.
• Continuing to modernize school facilities at the elementary, middle, and high school levels based on an ongoing facilities condition assessment program.
• Addressing all action steps of the Division's facility plan within audit-identified timelines.
• Conducting evaluations of school transportation with a focus on timeliness and safety of buses.

Qualifictions:

• Education: Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.

• Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver's license required; additional certifications (e.g., PMP, CPM, LEED) preferred.

• Required Experience:




• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations management, facilities, transportation, or public administration, preferably within a public school system or similar public-sector environment.
• Minimum of five (5) years of executive-level management experience with oversight of multiple departments and large-scale budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and change leadership.
• Proven track record of successful capital project management and facilities planning. Strong knowledge of school operations including facilities, transportation, and/or nutrition services. Experience managing complex budgets and ensuring fiscal accountability.

• Preferred Experience:




• Experience in K-12 public education administration.
• Certification in facilities management (CFM), project management (PMP), or related professional credential.
• Knowledge of Virginia school facility standards and regulations.
• Experience with school nutrition programs and USDA regulations.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional leadership and organizational management skills with the ability to lead diverse teams
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable operational plans
• Strong fiscal management skills and experience with large-scale budget development and oversight
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with diverse stakeholder groups
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and creating inclusive environments for students and staff
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in complex situations
• Knowledge of construction and renovation processes, building systems, and facility management best practices
• Understanding of transportation logistics, routing software, and fleet management
• Familiarity with school nutrition programs, food safety standards, and USDA requirements
• Cultural competency and ability to work effectively in a diverse, multilingual community
• Proficiency with technology systems and data analytics for operational decision-making

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all operations divisions, including Facilities Management, Transportation Services, and School Nutrition Programs.
• Develops and implements comprehensive operational strategies that support student achievement and instructional excellence.
• Serves as a collaborative partner with school principals, central office administrators, and community stakeholders to ensure operational services meet the needs of students and staff.
• Manages large divisional budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation across all operational functions.
• Leads long-range planning initiatives for facilities, transportation, and nutrition services aligned with Division strategic goals.

• Oversees the planning, construction, renovation, and maintenance of all school facilities to ensure safe, modern, and instructionally sound learning environments.
• Directs the ongoing facilities condition assessment program and prioritizes capital improvement projects across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Implements the Division's comprehensive facility plan, addressing all audit-identified action steps within established timelines.
• Develops and monitors key performance indicators for facility cleanliness, maintenance response times, and building conditions.
• Collaborates with architects, engineers, contractors, and city officials on new construction and major renovation projects.
• Establishes protocols and training programs that promote safety, security, optimal maintenance, and good stewardship of Division facilities among students and staff.

• Provides executive oversight of the Division's transportation program, ensuring safe, efficient, and timely bus service for all eligible students.
• Conducts regular evaluations of school transportation operations with a focus on timeliness, safety, route efficiency, and customer service.
• Ensures compliance with all state and federal transportation regulations, including driver training, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Develops contingency plans for transportation emergencies and weather-related events.
• Monitors transportation performance metrics and implements continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with families and schools to address transportation concerns and optimize service delivery.

• Oversees all aspects of the Division's school nutrition programs, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations and state nutritional standards.
• Ensures the provision of healthy, appealing, and culturally responsive meal options that support student health and academic performance.
• Manages food service operations across all school locations, including menu planning, food procurement, meal preparation, and service delivery.
• Monitors program participation rates and implements strategies to increase student engagement with nutrition services.
• Ensures food safety protocols and sanitation standards are maintained at all service locations.
• Pursues grant funding and program opportunities to expand nutrition services and support food-insecure students and families.

• Ensures that all operational messaging and guidance are proactive, accessible, translated into multiple languages, engaging, recognizable, and regularly updated.
• Engages families and community stakeholders in operational planning and decision-making processes.
• Represents ACPS in interactions with city officials, community organizations, and partner agencies on operational matters.
• Responds to community concerns regarding facilities, transportation, and nutrition services with transparency and responsiveness.
• Develops communication strategies that keep stakeholders informed about operational improvements, projects, and service changes.

• Supervises and evaluates directors and managers responsible for facilities, transportation, and nutrition services.
• Builds and maintains high-performing teams through effective recruitment, professional development, and performance management.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
• Ensures adequate staffing levels across all operational departments to meet Division needs.

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and School Board policies.
• Manages risk mitigation strategies related to facility safety, transportation operations, and food service.
• Oversees emergency preparedness planning for all operational functions.
• Coordinates with legal counsel, insurance providers, and risk management professionals as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

• This is a 12-month, exempt executive position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. ACPS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Salary for this position is determined by The ACPS Support Administrator Salary Scale

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP