Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location : Richmond, VA 23226
Rate : $60 / hr
Schedule : Standard work week, Monday–Friday, 7 : 30 AM – 4 : 30 PM (occasional evenings, weekends, and travel may be required)
Eligibility : No Third-party Sponsorship or C2C
👥 Supervisory Responsibilities : Operations Staff
Essential Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of the school’s campus and facilities to ensure smooth and efficient performance.
- Provide strategic analysis and operational management , using data and metrics to inform decision-making.
- Supervise and mentor the Managers of Facilities, Transportation, and Custodial Services , supporting both short- and long-term projects.
- Lead contract negotiations and vendor management for major service providers (food service, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, etc.).
- Ensure full compliance with state, city, and federal codes governing site and facility use, construction, and maintenance.
- Maintain strong relationships with local and state agencies, community organizations, and public officials .
- Chair the Safety and Security Planning Committee , overseeing all aspects of campus safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
- Serve as a key leader on the Emergency Response Team , managing fire, weather, and health emergency protocols, including lockdown and evacuation procedures.
- Collaborate with the CFO and Head of School to manage operational budgets, capital projects, and long-term financial planning.
- Partner with the Director of Development on fundraising and capital campaign efforts tied to campus operations.
- Oversee campus logistics and support for school-wide events and special functions.
- Manage purchasing of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) and ensure responsible resource and energy management practices.
- Act as the administrative liaison to the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Governors, attending relevant meetings.
- Provide human resources support in hiring, staffing, and personnel management in collaboration with senior administrators.
- Lead risk mitigation efforts in coordination with legal, insurance, and health teams.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations .
- Serve as a key member of the Head of School’s Executive Leadership Team , contributing to overall school strategy and success.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.Minimum 5+ years of senior-level management experience .Proven ability to think and plan strategically and creatively .Strong financial acumen, with experience in capital management and budgeting .Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills.Demonstrated collaboration and leadership across cross-functional teams.Experience conducting strategic analyses such as cost drivers, market positioning, and organizational performance.Proficient in modern software and technology platforms for operational management.Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and maintain professionalism in a dynamic environment.Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with employees, parents, trustees, and community members .Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in school or educational institution operations .Experience in an independent school environment is highly preferred.