Chief Operating Officer at New School San Francisco

Chief Operating Officer

IT IS AN ESSENTIAL TIME TO BE IN EDUCATION

We have an incredible opportunity to challenge the status quo, establish and build-off best-practice, and provide an excellent, equitable education equal to our students' potential. Taking on an incredible opportunity takes an incredible community. Joining our team means being part of a diverse, committed, and passionate group of leaders dedicated to shaping the future through the collective practice of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

New School San Francisco is a public elementary and middle school currently serving 450 students from all corners of the city and from all backgrounds. Entering its second decade, New School San Francisco is poised for growth and impact. We believe in a “hands on minds on” approach to learning that harnesses each student’s curiosity and encourages learners to construct their own meaning and knowledge through inquiry-based learning. We practice equity in all that we do – ensuring every child is able to access and receive an individualized education that builds off their unique strengths, skills and passions. Social justice is also a through line in all we do; developing learners who connect learning to their community and its welfare. Taken all together, this approach fosters a deep love of learning in students and prepares them with the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

ANTI-RACIST SCHOOL

We are committed to breaking down systemic structures which contribute to deep inequities in education. We continuously question our culture, climate, and curriculum to ensure all members of our community are committed to being racially literate and ultimately anti-racist change makers. We support learners of all ages to think critically about how race has been constructed in the United States, to become aware of their own racial socialization, and we give them the skills and vocabulary to engage in productive conversations around race and racism.

PEOPLE

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our students and their families. We strongly encourage leaders of color and LGBTQ candidates to apply. The successful candidate will be someone who is excited to roll up their sleeves, operate with a level of flexibility as we refine our program, bring creativity to their work, commit to the ongoing work of being anti-racist, and be ready to collaborate across and within teams.

POSITION OVERVIEW: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

New School San Francisco seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) committed to educational equity and passionate about creating joyful schools and successful students through operational excellence and fiscal sustainability. Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will play a critical role in shaping and implementing the school’s vision for stability and growth. While the responsibilities listed below describe a starting point for this role, the role will likely change and evolve as our school and organization grows and develops. As the COO, you’ll have the ability to dig deep, plan and execute effectively and efficiently, and sweat the small details while also serving as a key leader on the NSSF team, managing a team, delegating responsibilities, and crafting long-lasting systems.

The COO oversees the school’s operations team, vendors, and strategic partners and leads on all functions within the operations portfolio including: school-site operations, facilities, systems management, budgeting and finance, technology and data management, HR, and compliance. The COO supervises a team that includes the Director of School-Site Operations, Operations Associate, IT Contractor, and Finance Coordinator and collaborates with the Communications Manager. The COO works collaboratively with HR consultants and specialists to build out and refine HR systems and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Vision & Strategic Leadership

• Defines and sets a collaborative operational vision that demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Develops and maintain equity-centered strategies, policies, and systems in the following areas: HR, facilities, attendance, technology, reporting, vendor management, inventory, procurement, and internal controls
• Serves as core member of New School SF’s executive leadership team, helping to define organizational priorities and strategic direction while driving aligned work streams to ensure operational excellence
• Designs operational systems build-out as the school prepares for a facilities transition and enrollment growth, including leading and driving all aspects of the transition to a new site, rolling out new systems, processes, and procedures before, during, and after the transition

Sustainability, Budgeting & Fiduciary Management

• Partners with Head of School and back-office to manage school-site and district financial operations
• Directs internal financial systems for accounts payable/receivable, deposits, and budget reports; and maintains sound financial practices and controls
• Designs and manages processes and tools for annual budgeting and budget review
• Collaborates with the Heads of School on long-term real estate development
• Teams with back-office to manage annual audit

Systems Management & Capacity Building

• Engages with Heads-of-School and school-site leadership to define and oversee operational systems and processes that are fit-for-purpose, streamlined, and scalable
• Ensures school-site operations teams are supported, implement systems and processes that are operationally compliant and audit ready, and able to directly address operational challenges and further core learning and teaching priorities and functions
• Leads, collaborates, and coalition-builds to define and implement policy, process improvement, and system-change
• Defines and oversees operational growth strategy; advocates best practice in partnership with Heads of School and other sector leaders
• Leads and manages vendor selection and negotiations
• Designs and facilitates staff training and communications around operations systems and processes

People Management & Engagement

• Hires, retains, and develops the operations team, providing a balance of challenge and support to foster growth, expertise, and autonomy
• Designs and manages school-wide hiring, onboarding, and exiting processes that promote engagement, inclusiveness, and community
• Develops and manages HR processes, systems, platforms and policies in support of the school’s priorities and human capital and compensation strategies, collaborating with HR consultants and specialists
• Executes monthly payroll and benefit administration

Facilities, Compliance, & Risk Management

• Oversees staff compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements and the maintenance of employee files
• Manages and drives timely data submission and verification, including CBEDS, CALPADS, and FRPM
• Organizes development and maintenance of applicable information systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, and applications
• Leads and manages authorizer audits, compliance, and yearly visits
• Drives vision for and ensures strong execution of facilities management and maintenance
• Oversees and continuously improves emergency planning and procedures
• Manages Prop 39 request process

General Operations

• Supports the Director of School Site Operations to lead transportation planning and oversee implementation of student and staff transportation services and related partnerships
• Supports the Director of School Site Operations to manage the food service program
• Defines technology and data systems and strategy, including procurement, and oversees partners and providers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep belief in the mission and values of New School San Francisco
• 10 years of relevant leadership experience, with demonstrated success in a growing organization
• Track record of leading and developing high-impact teams
• Flexible problem solver with a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet multiple deadlines
• Systems thinker with excellent project management and organizational skills
• Comfort with a broad range of technology hardware and software
• Results-oriented, hands-on team player who is dedicated to getting the job done
• Humility and self-awareness, with an openness to feedback
• A strong work ethic; passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Bachelor's degree; Masters in education, business, policy, or education a plus

Preferred

• Experience leading teams in a school or district setting
• Experience working with diverse student populations within schools or community-based organizations
• Spanish language proficiency

COMPENSATION:

Range: $130,000 - $150,000

Salary reflects certifications, degrees and years of work experience

Competitive benefits package including health coverage and retirement. Hybrid work schedule possible.

Contact: Email hiring@newschoolsf.org with any questions and/or to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.