Chief Strategy and Operations Officer

Position: 26-27 Chief Strategy and Operations Officer
Position Summary

The Chief Strategy and Operations Officer manages the translation of the District's educational philosophy, goals, and objectives into actions that directly benefit SPS students. The Chief of Strategy and Operations assists the Superintendent of Schools substantially and effectively by providing leadership in developing, supporting, communicating, aligning, and maintaining the highest quality educational programs and services. The Chief Strategy and Operations Officer reports to the Superintendent of Schools and develops a culture of collaboration between School Committee, municipal officials, District leadership, and community members in a manner that results in a shared vision and contributes to District success.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.

• Serves as a key member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet and acts as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent on District priorities, organizational effectiveness, emerging issues, and executive decision-making;
• Leads implementation and progress monitoring of the District's strategic plan and District goals;
• Develops and facilitates management structures, cross-departmental working groups, and accountability systems to support effective execution of strategic priorities;
• Advises and supports the Superintendent in addressing emerging issues and critical matters affecting the District, including student and staff safety, crisis response, emergency preparedness, and geopolitical or societal events impacting schools and the broader community;
• Serves on District critical response teams as needed;
• Leads the design and implementation of systems to gather, analyze, and utilize stakeholder feedback and data, including surveys, focus groups, and other engagement strategies, to inform District decision-making and strategic priorities;
• Directs strategic messaging and communications in coordination with the Director of Communications and other District leaders to ensure alignment with the Superintendent's priorities, District goals, and organizational values;
• Serves as the Superintendent's representative and liaison with the School Committee, City Council, Mayor's Office, community organizations, and other governmental and external stakeholders;
• Represents the Superintendent on committees, at meetings, conferences, and other District-related functions as assigned;
• Coordinates School Committee operations, including agenda development, communications, dissemination of materials, meeting and retreat planning, responses to member requests, annual scheduling, support for subcommittees, action-item tracking, and follow-through on School Committee motions;
• Manages and coordinates the Superintendent's annual evaluation process in partnership with the School Committee Chair and School Committee members;
• Leads cross-sector initiatives and partnerships with community organizations and local, state, and federal officials;
• Assists with legislative matters and intergovernmental relations in support of District priorities;
• Works collaboratively with District departments, municipal partners, contractors, and school staff to plan, coordinate, and implement major capital improvement and facilities projects, including the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for new school construction, while monitoring project timelines, communications, and operational needs;
• Supervises assigned operational functions and personnel, including Food Services, Facilities, Safety and Transportation, and designated administrative support staff;
• Serves as a resource and point of contact for senior staff inquiries and concerns;
• Leads and coordinates special projects and assignments;
• Facilitates executive meetings and follow-up;
• Assumes interim executive- or cabinet-level responsibilities as necessary to ensure continuity of operations during…