District Operations Leader — Finance & Strategy

COSA; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Vancouver Public Schools is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee the District's financial services division, directing budget development, levy planning, and multi-year fiscal forecasting. The COO will align resources with district priorities to support student learning and report to the Superintendent as a Cabinet member.

The role requires strong executive leadership, public-sector financial acumen, and experience guiding districts through audits, compliance, and strategic capital

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field; and/or CPA license.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management and/or organizational operations.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful administrative leadership in a school district or public agency.
• Preferred: executive experience with budgets > $400 million; public K-12 education knowledge.
• Preferred: knowledge of WA state public school finance, levies, and bonds.
• Physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial and operational functions of the District.
• Serve as COO reporting to the Superintendent and act on behalf of the Superintendent in their absence.
• Direct divisions: Accounting, Budget, Payroll, Purchasing, Risk Management, Facilities and Support Services, Nutrition Services, and Technology Services.
• Centralize accounting for expenditures, forecast cash flow, and maintain official records.
• Communicate and collaborate across the organization to build trust and teamwork.
• Review systems and processes; streamline and modernize for accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring compliant salary disbursements.
• Direct budget development, fiscal planning, and revenue management.
• Develop multi-year forecasts and staffing allocation models; oversee levy planning and debt policy.
• Provide executive oversight of facilities, nutrition, and technology services; supervise division leaders.
• Mentor staff and coordinate audits; participate in labor negotiations as assigned.

Education

MBA or CPA preferred

Job description

Vancouver Public Schools is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee the District's financial services division, directing budget development, levy planning, and multi-year fiscal forecasting. The COO will align resources with district priorities to support student learning and report to the Superintendent as a Cabinet member.

The role requires strong executive leadership, public-sector financial acumen, and experience guiding districts through audits, compliance, and strategic capital