Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating OfficerThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) ensures that every campus in the network runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently, so that operations serve DC Prep's mission by ensuring that school leaders and teachers can focus on instruction and students can focus on learning. But this role is bigger than keeping the lights on: DC Prep is ready to modernize how operations work — creating systems and tools that free up staff time and attention for the things that matter most: kids and relationships. The next COO will bring a vision for people-centered operations that are powered by better data, modern enterprise tools, and thoughtful use of AI — and will help build the routines and systems that help the whole organization learn and collaborate more effectively.The COO owns the operational backbone of the network across all six campuses: campus-level operations, network-wide operational systems, facilities, and technology. This is a role for someone who treats operational excellence as a form of care for students, their families, and DC Prep's staff — and who also sees the bigger opportunity to reimagine how a mission-driven organization operates.The COO is a member of the network's executive team and partners closely with the CEO, the Chief Schools Officer, and fellow Chiefs to ensure operations enable — never constrain — the network's academic and cultural priorities. The COO manages a Senior Director of Operations, a Director of Technology, a Director of Facilities & Business Operations, and a Director of Operations. These leaders manage Home Office and Campus-based employees.Responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer will include but are not limited to:Organizational LeadershipServe as a member of the executive team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of DC PrepDrive key cross-functional strategic decisions — e.g., re-enrollment, facilities, safety, technology roadmap — that must align with DC Prep's long-term prioritiesModel and reinforce DC Prep's culture and Values in every interaction, especially in moments when doing so is inconvenientBuild and maintain an operations culture where DC Prep's Values shape daily practice and every team member understands how their work advances DC Prep's strategic priorities and outcomes for Preppies.Build trust and relationships with campus-based staff directly, not only through your direct reportsContribute actively to Board meetings and materials beyond your own portfolioMentor and develop leaders across the network, regardless of whether they sit in your reporting line — DC Prep's bench strength is a shared responsibility of every ChiefCultivate relationships with key external stakeholders (e.g., within PCSB, city agencies, facilities partners, peer networks) in a way that helps DC Prep "see around the corner" and informs strategyVision for Modern OperationsSet a forward-looking vision for people-centered, data- and tech-powered operations — one that reduces manual burden on campus staff and gives leaders better real-time information to make decisionsLead a substantial upgrade of DC Prep's Operations team's systems, introducing modern enterprise tools where they replace outdated or fragmented processesIdentify where AI can responsibly improve operational efficiency and decision-making — from administrative workflows to data analysis — while ensuring tools serve DC Prep's people and values, not the other way aroundBuild and steward shared tools, routines, and practices (e.g., knowledge-sharing systems, cross-team communication & document storage norms) that help DC Prep learn faster and work better together as it growsCampus OperationsManage and coach the Senior Director of Operations, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to manage campus Operations Site Leaders (OSLs) to meet operational standards through culture and systemsSet clear, consistent operational standards across all campuses for materials management, safety, attendance tracking, arrival/dismissal, food service, transportation, procurement, and front-office systems so families and staff have a consistent, high-quality experience throughout the networkMonitor operational health at each campus (attendance systems, enrollment logistics, vendor performance, budget management) and intervene early when a campus is strugglingOwn the network's re-enrollment strategy as an operational and strategic priority: identify where families are dropping off and why, set targets, and hold campus teams accountable to the planOwn the network's physical safety strategy — e.g., access control, campus security presence, visitor management, emergency preparedness & crisis response infrastructure, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services — going beyond compliance with drills and protocols so that every campus-based leader knows their role to prevent things from going wrong and to respond appropriately in the event something happensBring a forward-looking view on how the network's approach to safety should evolve as campuses and risks change, and make the case for investment before a gap becomes an incidentFacilitiesSet the network's vision for the look, feel, and function of its school buildings — what a family or staff member should experience walking into any campus, and what the space needs to enable instructionally and culturally — integrating the priorities of the other ChiefsBring a point of view to the executive team on how facilities decisions (e.g., capital improvements) should inform, and be informed by, the network's strategic priorities (e.g., program evolution, enrollment, talent retention, financial sustainability)Manage and coach the Director of Facilities, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to manage campus Facilities team members to ensure buildings are safe, clean and well-maintainedOwn DC Prep's facilities strategy: maintenance, capital improvements, custodial services, and long-term space planningManage relationships with landlords, contractors, and facilities vendors; negotiate and oversee facilities-related contractsEnsure all campuses meet health, safety, and code compliance standards, and lead responses to facilities emergenciesPlan and execute facilities projects (e.g., renovations, moves) in partnership with the CEO and CFOTechnologyManage and coach the Director of Technology, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to manage the Tech team to deliver on the team's core work and strategic projectsCreate and refine a multi-year technology roadmap (instructional, operational, infrastructure), using it to shape budget and planning conversations proactivelyEnsure every campus has reliable, well-supported technology, and that staff and students are trained to use it effectivelyOwn data security and cybersecurity practices network-wide, including staff training, risk assessment, incident response planning, and vendor due diligence for any system touching student or staff dataEvaluate and manage vendor relationships and contracts for technology tools and servicesPartner with network and school-based leaders and the data team to ensure technology decisions are driven by instructional and operational needNetwork OperationsManage and coach the Director of Operations, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to deliver on core work and strategic projectsDesign and maintain the operations for systems used across campuses (e.g., tutoring, aftercare, extracurriculars, campus purchasing) in light of organizational priorities and ValuesPartner with Home Office teams on cross-functional operational needs (campus budgets, timekeeping, new staff onboarding, procurement policy, compliance calendars)Lead network-wide operational projects (e.g., national school lunch program, curriculum check-in/check-out) from planning through executionOther DutiesThis is a full-time, 12-month, exempt role that requires travel throughout the Washington, D.C. area and the ability and willingness to participate in early-morning, evening and weekend work, as needed in response to campus operational needs.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsOccasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawlAbility to frequently lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds