Chief Operations and Finance Officer

Chief Operations and Finance Officer

Connally Independent School District Connally ISD - Waco, Texas

JOB TITLE: Chief Operations & Finance Officer WAGE/HOUR: Exempt/Professional REPORTS TO: Superintendent PAY GRADE: 10 / $123,321 - $148,321 DEPARTMENT: Central Office DAYS: 226

ROLE AND PURPOSE: As Chief Operations & Finance Officer for the school district, you will lead and oversee all district operational functions to ensure safe, efficient, and equitable learning and working environments for students and staff. You will set and execute a clear vision for operational excellence across facilities, maintenance, transportation, nutrition services, safety and security, technology operations interfaces, and other support services as assigned. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, you will collaborate with district leadership to align operational systems, budgets, and services with the district's strategic plan and academic priorities. You will ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations while promoting a culture of continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and service excellence in support of student achievement.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Operations Management, Public Administration, Education, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy/Administration, Education Leadership, or a related field preferred.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Expert understanding of public school district operations, including facilities, maintenance, transportation, nutrition services, safety/security coordination, and related support functions. Strong knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and board policies related to school finance, operations, procurement, risk management, and student safety. Demonstrated commitment to equity; ensures all students and staff have access to safe, well-maintained, and effectively operated facilities and services. Strong problem-solving and project management skills, including the ability to manage large-scale, multisite operations and capital projects. Strong fiscal management skills, including experience developing and managing complex operational budgets. A performance management, accountability, and systems-thinking orientation necessary to inform data driven strategy development and execution. Ability to initiate and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including principals, department leaders, staff, families, vendors, and community partners. Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions. Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to lead through influence and collaboration. Strong analytical skills and ability to translate operational data into actionable insights and improvements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present complex operational information to executive leadership and the Board. Fluency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with relevant operational management systems.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Ensure operational compliance and fiscal stewardship

- Ensure efficient and lawful functioning of the Operations Division in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and board policy.

- Collaborate with other district leaders to develop and manage operations-related budgets; monitor expenditures to ensure responsible fiscal control and alignment to documented needs.

- Oversee procurement practices, contract administration, and vendor performance for operational services.

- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, service workflows, and internal controls to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.

- Use operational data to improve forecasting, reduce waste, and prioritize investments that improve safety, reliability, and equity

Set and execute an overall vision for operational excellence

- Develop and communicate a clear, districtwide vision for operations aligned to the district's strategic plan and academic priorities.

- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, customer service, and accountability throughout the Operations Division.

- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent and Cabinet, providing operational insight on policy decisions, long-range planning, and resource allocation.

- Establish performance metrics and service standards for operational departments and monitor progress toward defined goals.

- Provide executive-level leadership that strengthens systems, clarifies roles, improves responsiveness, and supports school leaders' ability to focus on teaching and learning.

- Ensure clear, timely communication to families and staff regarding operational changes that impact students (e.g., transportation changes, facility closures, safety updates, meal service changes).

Oversee facilities, maintenance, and capital planning

- Lead the planning, coordination, and oversight of all facilities maintenance, custodial services, grounds, and capital improvement projects.

- Collaborate with other leaders to develop long-range facilities plans and capital improvement strategies aligned to enrollment trends and district priorities.

Oversee transportation services

- Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation services, including route planning, staffing, fleet readiness, and operational communications.

- Ensure compliance with applicable transportation safety regulations, licensing requirements, and reporting expectations

Oversee nutrition services

- Provide leadership for district nutrition/food services to ensure students have access to healthy, high-quality meals in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Ensure compliance with federal and state child nutrition regulations, audit requirements, and reporting standards.

Oversee safety, security, and risk management in coordination with district leadership

- Collaborate with the Chief of Police and other safety leaders to ensure coordinated and comprehensive safety and emergency preparedness systems.

- Support development and implementation of emergency operations plans, safety protocols, drills, and training programs across campuses and facilities.

- Monitor and improve physical security infrastructure, including access control, surveillance systems, perimeter safety, and visitor management.

- Oversee district risk management practices, including insurance coverage coordination, claims management processes, and safety compliance systems.

- Coordinate operational continuity planning to ensure district readiness during emergencies, severe weather events, or other disruptions.

Align technology operations interfaces and infrastructure support

- Partner with the Director of Technology to ensure coordinated planning between facilities/infrastructure and technology systems.

- Ensure technology infrastructure needs (e.g., wiring, network closets, power, device storage/charging, secure access areas) are integrated into facilities planning and capital projects.

- Collaborate across departments to strengthen operational resilience, emergency communications, and continuity of learning and services when disruptions occur.

- Support campus and department technology readiness as it relates to operations (e.g., physical installations, infrastructure access, coordinated scheduling).

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS - Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.

Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.

Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.

Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with School Board priorities

Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the District's Mission Statement.

Performs other duties as assigned.

APPROVED: Human Resources Department May 2026

Position Type: Full-time