Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Lawrence Public Schools

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents seeks an experienced Senior Director/COO to lead district operations, including facilities, transportation, safety, IT, and nutrition services. This executive will align operations with the district’s strategic plan, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient services that support teaching and student success.

The role requires strong executive communication, budget stewardship, and change management skills, with a track record of improving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred or strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of senior leadership experience in public education or similarly complex organizations.
• Experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and operational management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of district operational departments to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations.
• Lead long-range operational planning aligned with the district’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Direct administration of facilities, transportation, safety, IT, nutrition services, and other operational departments.
• Develop performance standards and accountability measures for organizational excellence.
• Advise the Superintendent on operational planning, district initiatives, and resource allocation.
• Oversee budgets, internal controls, and procurement in accordance with laws and policies.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field

Job description

Position Title: Senior Director/Chief Operating Officer (COO) Location: Central Office
Reports to: Superintendent or designee

Position Control Number: 395613001

General Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leader responsible for the strategic planning, direction, coordination, and continuous improvement of the district’s operational functions. Reporting directly to the Superintendent or designee, the COO ensures that operational systems, services, and resources effectively support teaching, learning, and student success.

The COO provides leadership for Facilities, Transportation, School Safety, Information Systems and Technology, Nutrition Services, and other operational departments as assigned. The position oversees district operations through effective planning, resource management, policy implementation, compliance, and continuous organizational improvement.

As a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, the COO collaborates with district administrators, municipal officials, School Committee members, and community partners to advance the district’s strategic priorities while promoting operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, equity, and exceptional customer service.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of district operational departments to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and effective operations.
• Leads long-range operational planning aligned with the district’s strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Directs the administration and continuous improvement of Facilities, Transportation, School Safety, Information Systems and Technology, Nutrition Services, and other assigned operational departments.
• Develops operational goals, performance standards, and accountability measures that promote organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Advises the Superintendent regarding operational planning, district initiatives, organizational effectiveness, facilities planning, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of district operational policies, administrative procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, School Committee policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Leads organizational change initiatives that improve efficiency, service delivery, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Oversees preparation and administration of operational budgets and ensures responsible stewardship of district resources.
• Uses data and performance metrics to evaluate operational effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend strategic solutions.
• Supervises, mentors, supports, and evaluates department directors and administrative leaders responsible for assigned operational functions.
• Promotes collaboration among district departments to ensure responsive, equitable, and customer-focused support services for schools.
• Represents the Superintendent before municipal officials, governmental agencies, community groups, and the School Committee as assigned.
• Serves as the district’s lead for emergency preparedness, crisis response planning, and continuity of operations.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and participates in district-wide planning, policy development, and decision-making.
• Maintains confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and discretion in personnel, legal, and organizational matters.
• Fosters an organizational culture grounded in professionalism, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Complies with applicable federal, state, local, and district laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required or strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible executive or senior leadership experience in public education, municipal government, or a similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple operational departments and managing large-scale organizational initiatives.
• Experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and operational management.
• Experience developing and administering operational budgets and overseeing fiscal accountability.
• Demonstrated success implementing organizational improvements and managing change.
• Knowledge of:
  • School finance and budgeting
  • Facilities management
  • School safety and emergency management
  • Transportation operations
  • Information technology systems
  • Public procurement
  • Massachusetts General Laws
  • DESE regulations
  • School Committee policy development
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Lead diverse teams
  • Build collaborative relationships
  • Analyze complex issues
  • Develop strategic solutions
  • Communicate effectively with varied stakeholders
  • Manage competing priorities
  • Make sound executive decisions

Licenses or Certifications

• Massachusetts Administrator Licensure preferred.

Language

• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees, families, School Committee members, governmental agencies, and community partners.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency preferred.

Pay Range

• $142,128 to $151,330 based on experience

Travel

A valid driver’s license or access to transportation is required, as moderate travel throughout the district and attendance at evening meetings and district events is required.

Disclaimer Statement

The job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lawrence Public Schools provides equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Lawrence Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other basis prohibited by law, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an investigation.