Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operating Officer; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools seeks a Chief Operations Officer to supervise day-to-day district operations and provide strategic leadership across facilities, transportation, safety, nutrition, and more. You will report to the Superintendent and serve on the Executive Cabinet, guiding policy implementation and program delivery.

This senior role requires extensive experience in district administration, strong budgeting skills, and the ability to collaborate with school leaders, staff, and

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of public school system policies and operations.
• Experience leading multiple departments (facilities, transportation, safety, nutrition, etc.).
• Ability to develop and monitor budgets and strategic plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate departments and staff; ensure policy adherence.
• Oversee budgeting, fiscal management, and long-range planning.
• Coordinate safety, facilities, and operations across the district.
• Advise the superintendent and board on operations matters.
• Represent the district in meetings and public inquiries; lead stakeholder communications.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations.

Skills

Public school operations

Leadership

Budget management

Policy implementation

Risk management

Facilities management

Transportation oversight

Communication

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education

Master’s degree in School Administration or related area

NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) preferred

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as building or district administrator

Job description

Chief Operations Officer

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - Charlotte, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in North Carolina School Jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5933708

Application Deadline: Jan 01, 2027 4:59 AM (UTC)

Posted: Sep 21, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

The Chief Operations Officer, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school system. This includes providing leadership and oversight to department heads in construction management, facilities, maintenance, transportation, school nutrition, warehouse services, custodial services, logistics, environmental health and risk management, graphic productions, capital projects, safety, CMS Police, and other operational divisions of the school district. The employee is a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to a wide variety of programs and activities under the direction of the Superintendent.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

PG 15/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Superintendent

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned departments/staff
• Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements
• Direct and lead the development of goals, the preparation of short and long-range plans, and the implementation of programs and services
• Advise the superintendent and board on operations matters of the district
• Oversee the implementation of the district’s policy and procedures related to Minority, Women, and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Owned Business Enterprises within all areas of operations
• Oversee district Safety/CMS Police/Emergency Response
• Act as liaison with the superintendent, board, other district departments, and outside agencies/organizations on matters related to facilities, construction management, transportation, and maintenance, etc.
• Communicate/problem solve with stakeholders and other community members and conduct presentations, information sharing services as needed/required
• Collaborate, monitor, and provide input on policies impacting assigned area
• Coordinate the development and/or implementation of site-based safe school programs
• Maintain visibility in schools, areas of business operations and community
• Administer cost-effective and timely implementation of all projects and strategic plan initiatives pertaining to and within all areas of operations
• Serve, upon assignment by the superintendent, as a resource person to various public interest groups
• Attend meetings in the absence of the superintendent to represent the district, making presentations and respond to public inquiries regarding district operations
• Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies
• Comprehensive knowledge of in-house and outsourced services, acquisition/strategic planning, design/construction operations; capital/long-range maintenance programs, master planning; logistics, custodial/facility maintenance services, energy programs, real estate, disaster preparedness, school safety, transportation, and school nutrition
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system operations
• Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding facilities and construction management
• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
• Considerable knowledge of the formal bidding process and of local, state and federal guidelines as well as knowledge on school construction bonds
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education required
• Master’s degree in School Administration or related area preferred
• NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as building or district administrator preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

Position Type: Not provided

Contact Information

• CMS Staff
• 600 E. Fourth Street
• Fifth Floor
• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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