Chief Operating Officer

Overview

Position:
Chief Operating Officer

Reports to:

Superintendent of Schools

Overview of Cambridge Public Schools:

Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city as well as a central hub of the nation’s innovative economy. Educating approximately 7,000 students preK–12+, the Cambridge Public Schools consists of diverse and dedicated faculty, cutting-edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of the CPS school communities is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home, and more than 70 languages are represented across the district.

Our schools proudly embrace this linguistic and cultural diversity while striving to establish high expectations for all students.

The Opportunity:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior executive leader and trusted advisor to the Superintendent, responsible for ensuring that the district’s operational systems, services, and resources enable safe, equitable, and high-quality learning environments across all CPS schools.

As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, the COO provides strategic oversight and direction for Facilities, Transportation, Safety & Security, Enrollment, and Food Services. The COO partners closely with school leaders, city departments, and community stakeholders to strengthen operational systems, streamline processes, and ensure that every CPS student and family experiences welcoming, dependable, and well-functioning schools.

This leader models equity-driven decision making, strong communication, and proactive problem-solving—ensuring that operational practices advance CPS’s mission and contribute to a sense of belonging, safety, and excellence district wide.

• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and systems that strengthen district wide efficiency, safety, and performance.
• Provide strategic leadership for major initiatives, including capital improvement planning, facilities modernization, environmental safety, and operational redesign.
• Evaluate trends, operational data, and performance metrics to guide decision-making and recommend improvements to the Superintendent and through the Superintendent to the School Committee.
• Serve as a systems thinker who integrates operations with academic, financial, and equity priorities across CPS.

• Supervise and direct the daily operations of Facilities, Transportation, Safety, Enrollment, and Food Services departments.
• Set clear goals for performance and growth across all operational divisions; monitor progress and ensure accountability.
• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, and service agreements to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and equitable delivery of services to schools.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to Directors and Supervisors in all areas of district operations.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and support operational leaders and staff.
• Provide onboarding and training for school and district leaders in operational systems, including facilities, safety, enrollment, transportation, and food services.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—especially School Leadership, Human Resources, Finance, and Equity—to ensure coordinated support for schools.
• Serve on collective bargaining teams for operational units and other units as assigned.

• Serve as a liaison with city and state agencies related to capital improvement, transportation, environmental safety, and facilities management.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations to support district goals and enhance school operations.
• Ensure timely, transparent communication with families, staff, and community members about operational issues affecting school experiences.

• Monitor federal, state, and local regulations and ensure district wide adherence to operational, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Provide timely recommendations to the…