Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Trenton, NJ

Chief Operations Officer

About Achievers:

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey's first public charter school for students in middle school and high school that provides them with the unique opportunity to pursue one of four STEAM pathways (Health Sciences, Digital Media, Audio Engineering and Cisco Computer Networking). Students can have access to a program that allows them to earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials and workplace training. AECP is determined to ensure that students can enhance their journey through high school and graduate with content mastery, skills, and experiences that are essential to the current marketplace and the world beyond.

Achievers Fit:

Demonstrates alignment and commitment to Achievers Early College Prep's mission, core beliefs, and educational philosophy. Adaptable in a growing environment; is flexible and solutions-oriented. Evidence of self-motivation, taking initiatives, and willingness to be a team player. Experience in schools that rely heavily on intervention, literacy, and content knowledge as a means to dramatically increase student achievement. Unwavering commitment to feedback, improvement, practice, and notion of "I'M ALL IN!" Culturally aware, culturally sensitive, and asset-based thinking.

About The Role:

The Chief Operations Officer plays a vital role in leading both the operational and financial strategies across our initiatives, overseeing the smooth functioning of schools and organizational facilities, finance, technology, and operations staff management. This leader will work closely with school leadership to ensure operational excellence, allowing educators to focus on academic achievement while maintaining sustainable financial operations and facilities management.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; MBA, MPA, or equivalent. Experience preferred in school operations and finance management, preferably in an educational or youth development setting. Experience preferred including charter school, district, or educational non-profit leadership. Demonstrated leadership skills in operations, finance, technology, and facilities management. Strong management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across diverse teams. Passion for education and a commitment to operational excellence in support of student achievement.

Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills with a focus on using data to drive decision-making. Reports to the Executive Director

Performance Responsibilities

Operations Management: Oversee network and school operations, including facilities, financial management, technology, food services, maintenance, security, and daily school systems for each of our sites. Ensure operational consistency and efficiency in alignment with the organization's values. Develop and implement cross-site initiatives to enhance operational standards and streamline processes across schools. Lead and manage the operations team to ensure all schools operate at high performance levels. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) charter school regulations, including reporting requirements, audits, and renewals. Monitor student enrollment, retention, and attendance systems to maximize funding and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Financial Leadership: Oversee all financial activities including budgeting, accounting, payroll, and auditing, ensuring accurate financial reporting across the region. Assist the Executive Director & SBO in the preparation of the annual budget and manage its administration throughout the year. Ensure compliance with all statutory financial requirements and Board policies. Act as the lead for continuous improvement initiatives in financial systems and processes to ensure sustainable operational efficiency. Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with public funding guidelines. Work with leadership to identify grants, funding opportunities, and financial efficiencies to support the school's long-term sustainability and any other responsibilities determined by the Executive Director.

Facilities Management: Supervise the maintenance and operation of regional facilities, ensuring safety standards are met. Oversee construction and renovation projects, managing cost projections and facility requirements in collaboration with architects and construction teams. Develop and execute a long-term facilities plan, including renovations, expansion, and capital improvement projects. Oversee property management for schools and office locations.

Ensure the buildings maintain all inspections including: fire, health, safety, electrical, plumbing, asbestos, and all other building inspections.

Leadership and Development: Lead recruitment, training, and professional development for operations and finance staff, ensuring the retention of high-performing teams. Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes operational and financial excellence. Collaborate with school and regional leaders to support instructional priorities and organizational goals.

Governance and Compliance:

Serve as a liaison between the School Business Administrator, school board, and school leadership team, ensuring governance is aligned with administrative codes, laws, and policies. Coordinate school board-related activities, including meetings and training sessions. Maintain all governance-related documentation and ensure organizational compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to develop and execute strategic initiatives that align with the school's mission. Serve as a liaison between the school, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies to strengthen relationships and partnerships. Support crisis management and emergency response planning to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen challenges.

Compensation:

Achievers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. This is a 12-month position which is exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime pay under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards. Achievers is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions will be made solely on the basis of the individual's qualifications as related to the requirement of the position being filled.