CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Job Overview
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Division of Operations, overseeing Transportation, Facilities & Maintenance, and Design & Construction. This role ensures operational functions are aligned with district goals and delivered with a focus on safety, efficiency, and service excellence. The COO is responsible for managing all bond-funded capital projects, ensuring policy and regulatory compliance, and supporting long-range planning to accommodate district growth. The position serves as the Superintendent's key advisor on operational matters and is responsible for communicating with the Board of Trustees on issues within the division's scope.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Oversight and Service Delivery

• Direct day-to-day and long-term planning for Transportation, Facilities, Maintenance, and Custodial Services.
• Ensure safe, timely, and compliant transportation services and maintain facilities that support learning environments.
• Lead the implementation of preventive maintenance, safety protocols, and operational improvements across departments.
• Analyze operational data to drive decisions and support continuous improvement.
• Evaluate internal systems and processes for alignment with best practices and district priorities.

Design, Construction, and Bond Program Management

• Oversee the planning, budgeting, procurement, and execution of all bond-funded construction and renovation projects.
• Establish systems to monitor project scope, budget, timeline, and quality assurance across all capital improvement projects.
• Present regular updates to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency, fiscal stewardship, and compliance with voter-approved bond expectations.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Procurement departments to ensure bond expenditures follow all legal and procedural requirements.
• Coordinate with municipal entities on zoning, permitting, infrastructure planning, and shared services.
• Lead the development of long-range facility master plans, including enrollment projections, demographic trends, and capacity assessments to guide future bond planning.

Compliance, Contracts, and Fiscal Management

• Ensure operational compliance with district policies, local/state/federal regulations, and building codes.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets in alignment with strategic priorities and available resources.
• Lead the negotiation and management of service and construction contracts, including energy performance agreements and capital project procurements.
• Apply project metrics and performance standards to evaluate vendor effectiveness and contract outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Represent the district in meetings with community stakeholders, municipal leaders, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare and deliver reports and public presentations related to operations, facilities planning, and bond program progress.
• Engage in proactive outreach to build public understanding and trust in bond-funded initiatives and district operations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board, community, and government agencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee the recruitment, selection, assignment, supervision, and evaluation of departmental personnel within Operations directly or through direct reports
• Supervise and manage the Operations Division staff, directly or through direct reports

• Bachelor's degree Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Valid Texas Mid-Management or Principal Certification preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership in operations, including transportation, facilities, maintenance, and capital project management, required
• Experience in supervision of construction activities, capital projects management, or school facilities management, preferred
• Expertise in design and construction management, with direct oversight of bond-funded capital programs, preferred
• Director-level or higher experience in a public-sector or large-scale organization, preferred
• Experience overseeing construction activities, managing capital improvement projects, or directing school facilities operations
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations related to building construction and operational compliance
• Strong understanding of systems analysis, process design, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance frameworks
• Proficient in space planning, facility utilization, and interpreting state/local building, electrical, plumbing, and life safety codes
• Skilled in strategic planning, property acquisition, and long-range facility development
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and public presentation skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in collaborating with the Texas Historical Commission preferred