Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Cedar Rapids Community School District ELSC - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

POSITION TITLE: Chief Operating Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Certified Administrator

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides organizational strategy support to ensure the implementation of the district's strategic plan. This role ensures coherence and alignment of work within and across district departments to student learning and continuous improvement. This role bridges the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day execution, assisting the Superintendent in developing, executing, and monitoring key priorities and district goals, as well as overseeing the district's key operational infrastructure, its data and analytics, and communications and marketing strategies.

• Strategic Leadership & District Alignment
  • Strategic Plan Stewardship:
    Work in close cooperation with the Superintendent and Cabinet to formulate, execute, and track the district's multi-year strategic plan.
  • Cohesive Execution:
    Oversee day-to-day district operations and collaborate across district departments to ensure integrated provision of district support services.
  • Policy and Procedures:
    Work in close cooperation with chief compliance officer and members of cabinet to develop and standardize standard operating procedures across the district.
• Operations Team Oversight
  • Operational Strategy:
    Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the district's mission and goals, focusing on enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery across all operational areas including transportation, technology, buildings and grounds, and maintenance.
  • Strategic Planning:
    Ensure the implementation and monitoring of a facilities master plan that is aligned with the district's strategic plan.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within operational departments, encouraging staff to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, cost savings, and service enhancements.
• Data Strategy, Governance, and Analytics
  • Develop and implement district-wide data strategy that fosters a data-informed culture and drives student achievement. Key areas of focus include data health, governance and management; security and compliance; and analytics.
  • Collaboration:
    
    Partner with internal stakeholders (teachers, principals, curriculum directors) and external researchers to leverage data for continuous educational improvement.
• Communications & Brand Strategy
  • Leadership:
    Manage and mentor the Communications and Marketing team, fostering a high-performing and creative work environment.
  • Strategic Planning:
    Execute a comprehensive district-wide communications strategy that supports the mission and drives student enrollment.
  • Crisis & Media Relations:
    Lead district media strategy and direct timely, accurate communication during emergencies and critical incidents. Responsible for decision making in the superintendent's absence.
  • Resolve issues related to the day-to-day operations.
  • Public Engagement:
    • Promote district-wide events and internal communication systems to keep staff and community stakeholders aligned and connected.
    • Engage with a cross sector of community groups on major initiatives.
  • Revenue:
    Seek business, partner, and grant opportunities to generate external revenue.

• Build effective teams.
• Strong research, investigative, and reporting skills are required.
• Strong knowledge of compliance and regulatory laws relevant to Cedar Rapids Community School District and data.
• Proficiency in data product tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with superb attention to detail and a problem-solving attitude.
• Commitment to contribute to the education, safety, and security of all Cedar Rapids Community School District students and staff.
• Ability to relate to others positively and professionally.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Ability to contribute positively to the productivity of teams.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, punctuation, and related communication skills, including proofreading, editing, and creating original documents.
• Ability to organize and manage details in an orderly and thorough manner.
• Willingness to assume responsibility and to be accountable for decisions.
• Willingness to adjust to a flexible work schedule.
• Capacity to represent the District professionally, including confidentiality, collegiality, and the ability to obtain and utilize additional training, if necessary.
• Ability to solve problems independently and with others, take initiative, and work independently without supervision.
• Knowledge of State and Federal regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Works with exceptional trust and integrity.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and quality initiatives.
• Demonstrates commitment to closing the achievement gap and ensuring students transition successfully to post‑secondary endeavors.
• Actively…