ASSISTANT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Cheshire Public Schools - Cheshire, CT

Full-time - Mid Level

Cheshire, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Chief Operating Officer (ACOO) at Cheshire Public Schools is a pivotal role that reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This full-time, 12-month position is designed to provide comprehensive support and management oversight for a variety of operational, administrative, and financial services that are essential to the effective functioning of the School District Operations Office. The ACOO will play a crucial role in ensuring that the back office services, which include Accounting, Budget Development and Management, Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Benefits, Technology Support, Food and Nutrition Services, Transportation, and Facilities Services, are executed efficiently and effectively. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to excel in their responsibilities, with the potential for future promotion to the Chief Operating Officer position upon the retirement of the current COO. The ACOO will directly manage and support a wide range of operational and administrative functions, including school security, facilities operations, transportation services, insurance administration, legal matters, and grant management. This role requires active participation in planning and managing both short-term and long-term projects aimed at improving school facilities, in collaboration with the COO, Superintendent, and Director of Facilities Services. In addition to managing the annual operating budget alongside the COO, Finance Manager, and district leadership, the ACOO will assist with special projects and confidential tasks related to Human Resources, wages, benefits, and collective bargaining matters. Effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Superintendent, Central Office Staff, Board of Education, Town Council, and school staff, are essential components of this role. The ACOO will also represent the Office of School District Operations in various internal and public meetings, ensuring that the district's interests are well-represented. The position also entails maintaining the calendar of school district operations to ensure compliance with all periodic and annual filings, reports, and deadlines. The ACOO will lead special projects and perform other related duties as directed by the COO or Superintendent, contributing to the efficient functioning of the Office of School District Operations and the School District.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage and support a wide range of operational and administrative functions including school security, facilities use and operations, transportation services, insurance administration, legal matters, student activity fund oversight, grant management, annual audit, bids and procurement.
• Provide support and coordinate activities for the Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and staff of the Accounting, Human Resources, Facilities, Technology, Transportation, and Food Service departments.
• Participate in planning and managing short-term and long-term projects to improve school facilities, working closely with the COO, Superintendent, and Director of Facilities Services to develop and manage the Five Year Capital Budget and Expenditure Plan.
• Assist in the development and management of the annual operating budget alongside the COO, Superintendent, and Finance Manager.
• Assist the COO with special projects and confidential tasks related to Human Resources, Wages and Benefits, and Collective Bargaining matters.
• Communicate and collaborate with the Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent, Central Office Staff, Board of Education, Town Council, Town Staff, School Principals, Administrators, Directors, and Department Managers.
• Represent the Office of School District Operations and the COO in internal and public meetings, including the Town-wide Executive Safety Committee, Public Building Commission, Energy Commission, and Sustainability Committee.
• Maintain and oversee the calendar of school district operations to ensure compliance with periodic and annual filings, reports, and deadlines.
• Lead special projects and perform other related duties as directed by the COO or Superintendent.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible operational, financial or project management experience is necessary.
• Prior experience working in a public school business office is preferred, but not essential.
• Must hold an 085 or 092 certification from the State Department of Education, or be willing to obtain an 085 endorsement as a School Business Official within one year from employment start date.
• A 4-year college degree is required.
• Strong technology skills and ability to learn and use a wide variety of software applications including Munis, Applitrack, Frontline, Maintenance, IT and FS Direct, Google Apps, MS Office, etc.
• Solid understanding/experience of accounting and budget management is necessary as are strong math skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others, financial information, collective bargaining information, etc.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to public education and public information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a leadership role within a school district or educational institution.
• Familiarity with grant management and procurement processes.
• Advanced degree in education administration or a related field.

Benefits

• Salary is commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits package offered, including health and wellness benefits.