Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.

Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily –

1. Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships.
2. Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members.
3. Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the CEO/Executive Director, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) will manage five direct reports and a total team of 33. They will lead network and school operations, student recruitment and enrollment, technology & data, and facilities. The COO will set the operational vision and be a thoughtful and collaborative steward of the GOLCS’ resources and values.  The COO will work with the CEO and leadership team to lead the organization through ambitious growth, significantly increase the number of students and alumni by ensuring more GOLCS students receive the high-quality education they deserve. 

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a thought leader on all operations matters and develop strong professional working relationships with the ED, senior leadership team members, the board, and school leaders. 
• Translate GOLCS’ strategic vision into the development of short-term and long-term operational plans and develop systematized processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with the CFO and leadership team, and develop and manage the annual and multi-year operations team budget.
• Work with external stakeholders on operational issues, including legal counsel, Newark, government agencies, NJDOE (authorizer), etc., as well as the board of directors.
• With the senior leadership team, cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence among the staff, as well as our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Operations Management

• Establish a vision and definition for operational excellence; develop and implement strategies to drive high performance with clear metrics of success.
• Lead network and school operations, student recruitment and enrollment, technology & data, and facilities.  Align team goals and outcomes with organizational goals. 
• Collaborate with school principals and school operations staff to deliver high quality services to our schools as they deliver transformational educational outcomes for students.
• Lead the execution of sustainable, scalable, cost-efficient operational systems, processes and services.  Codify and refine existing practices to successfully operate our current schools and launch new schools.
• Lead high quality compliance including timely reporting with federal, state, school board, authorizer, and local agencies’ regulations and mandated practices. 
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure service vendors (transportation, food and custodial) meet the needs of the organization and their contracts align with regulatory standards.
• In partnership with the schools teams, oversee the creation and management of standardized operating procedures and ensure compliance.
• Oversee staff and strategies for planning, implementation, and support of all technology required for GOLCS to achieve its educational and business goals.

Culture and Team Leadership

• Serve as an exceptional role model as a leader and manager, investing deeply in supporting five direct reports and a total team of 33 staff members. 
• Oversee hiring, on-boarding, goal setting, management, and evaluation of operations staff at all levels and, in conjunction with principals, in the schools.
• Review roles, responsibilities and capabilities of the operations team, as well as operations processes. Build a team structure that ensures a high level of customer service to meet the needs of our schools and processes that are standardized, streamlined and efficient.
• Manage the school operations staff and grow their capacity to learn and contribute to the success of the organization.
• Promote a team culture of high performance, operational excellence  and continuous improvement grounded in our core values.

Data, Technology and Compliance Leadership

• Evaluating performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics and taking corrective measures when necessary, and prepare detailed updates and forecasts
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of operational and management reports.
• Ensure compliance with all school programs on a local, state and federal level - including but limited to enrollment, HIB, food service and other compliance related submissions
• Drive sustainable growth and minimize losses. 
• Manage capital investments and expenses aggressively to ensure that the company achieves investor targets for growth and profitability

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion and commitment to Great Oaks Legacy’s mission to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA strongly preferred.
• Seven to ten years of experience in an operations role with a successful track record; prior nonprofit or K-12 education experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing and monitoring systems to manage internal operations and processes to meet monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines.
• Ability to anticipate the infrastructure and systems needed in a growing multi-entity nonprofit.
• Strong Excel, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management and ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to use excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Flexible and strong ability to multitask.
• Goal and deadline-oriented.
• Team-player capable of working both collaboratively and independently.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
• Tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement per year.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
• Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
• Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ addl. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.

GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL VACCINATION POLICY

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is committed to ensuring healthy and safe working and learning environments, and maintaining our educational commitment to GOLCS students and families - with minimal disruption to instruction. With this in mind, as of October 2021, Great Oaks Legacy requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Candidates who would like to apply for a reasonable accommodation from this policy based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief should reach out to [email protected] for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

APPLICATION  PROCESS

To apply, please submit a resume.  Application materials will be accepted through April 1, 2025 or until the position is filled.