Director of Strategic Operations at CO 11-05-2026

CENTRAL OFFICE; Newark (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester County Public Schools seeks a Director of Strategic Operations to lead districtwide organizational systems, administrative operations, and strategic initiatives. You will collaborate with the Superintendent and department leaders to ensure consistent procedures, effective communication, and continuous improvement across the school system.

The role emphasizes human resources coordination, onboarding, policy implementation, and alignment with the WCPS strategic plan.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in business administration, public administration, human resources, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of successful experience in educational administration or organizational leadership.
• Knowledge of school system operations, governance practices, and administrative procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead districtwide organizational systems and strategic initiatives to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and departmental workflows across the district.
• Coordinate HR functions, onboarding processes, and employee services with relevant departments.
• Collaborate with Finance to optimize employee management systems and resource use.
• Serve as liaison for legislative updates and external educational organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Policy interpretation

Communication

Education

Doctorate (preferred)

Tools

TimeClock Plus

SmartFind Express

Job description

Director of Strategic Operations at CO 11-05-2026

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

November 5, 2026

POSITION: Director of Strategic Operations

DEPARTMENT: Central Office Administration

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Director of Strategic Operations provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of districtwide organizational systems, administrative operations, employee services, and strategic initiatives. The position is responsible for strengthening the operational effectiveness of Worcester County Public Schools through the development of consistent departmental procedures, cross-departmental collaboration, employee support systems, and efficient administrative practices.

The Director works collaboratively with the Superintendent, district leadership, department leaders, and school-based leaders to establish organizational structures that promote consistency, accountability, effective communication, and continuous improvement. This position supports the alignment of human resources, administrative operations, Board governance processes, and district priorities to ensure effective and efficient operations of the school system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

Organizational Development and Strategic Operations

• Develops and implements districtwide cross-training plan to promote continuity of operations, build employee capacity, and strengthen collaboration across all departments.
• Coordinates the development, implementation, and maintenance of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Establishes organizational blueprints, workflow processes, and administrative procedures to improve efficiency and consistency throughout the school system.
• Reviews existing administrative processes and identifies opportunities for increased efficiency, improved communication, and effective use of resources.
• Develops systems for documenting institutional knowledge and maintaining continuity during employee transitions and vacancies.
• Collaborates with department leaders to establish clear expectations, procedures, and accountability measures.

Human Resources and Employee Services

• Supports the coordination and administration of general human resource functions in collaboration with the Human Resources department.
• Assists with the development and implementation of employee onboarding processes, orientation materials, and required documentation.
• Collaborates with the Finance Office to coordinate, manage, and ensure the effective implementation and utilization of employee management systems, including TimeClock Plus and SmartFind Express.
• Supports the development and implementation of employee policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen employee communication, support, and organizational effectiveness.

Financial and Operational Coordination

• Collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer and appropriate department leaders to strengthen districtwide financial and operational practices.
• Assists with the development of administrative procedures that promote fiscal awareness, responsible resource management, and operational efficiency.
• Supports communication and coordination between departments regarding financial and administrative processes.

Legislative and External Relations

• Serves as a legislative liaison, as assigned, with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) and other relevant educational organizations.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments that may impact district operations and administrative procedures.
• Coordinates the communication and dissemination of legislative updates and relevant information to appropriate district leadership.

Districtwide Strategic Initiatives

• Supports the planning and implementation of districtwide initiatives aligned with the Superintendent's vision and the WCPS strategic plan.
• Serves as the district Blueprint Coordinator
• Collaborates with academic and operational leadership to ensure that organizational systems support the district's instructional priorities and student achievement goals.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen organizational culture, employee development, and districtwide collaboration.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate, business administration, public administration, human resources, preferred.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in educational administration, organizational leadership, human resources, business operations, or a related area preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of school system operations, organizational development, personnel practices, and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of Maryland public education laws, regulations, Board governance practices, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and establish effective working relationships.
• Exceptional written and oral communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Proficiency in technology and administrative management systems.

DUTY YEAR AND SALARY:

This is a 12-month administrative position. Salary and benefits will be determined in accordance with the applicable Worcester County Public Schools salary structure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position description reflects the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of the employee. Responsibilities may be modified or additional duties assigned as necessary to meet the needs of Worcester County Public Schools.

Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 for consideration.

If you have any questions or require assistance in completing the online application, please contact Debbie Powell at 410-632-5120 or email us at [e-mail].

If accommodations are needed for the interview, they will be provided with an advance request.

The Worcester County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Supervisor of Human Resources, Worcester County Board of Education, 6270 Worcester Highway, Newark, MD 21841, 410-632-5000.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required