Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Lawrence Public Schools

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leader responsible for the strategic planning, direction, coordination, and continuous improvement of the district's operational functions. Reporting directly to the Superintendent or designee, the COO ensures that operational systems, services, and resources effectively support teaching, learning, and student success. The COO provides leadership for Facilities, Transportation, School Safety, Information Systems and Technology, Nutrition Services, and other operational departments as assigned. The position oversees district operations through effective planning, resource management, policy implementation, compliance, and continuous organizational improvement. As a member of the Superintendent's Leadership Team, the COO collaborates with district administrators, municipal officials, School Committee members, and community partners to advance the district's strategic priorities while promoting operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, equity, and exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of district operational departments to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and effective operations.
• Leads long-range operational planning aligned with the district's strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Directs the administration and continuous improvement of Facilities, Transportation, School Safety, Information Systems and Technology, Nutrition Services, and other assigned operational departments.
• Develops operational goals, performance standards, and accountability measures that promote organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Advises the Superintendent regarding operational planning, district initiatives, organizational effectiveness, facilities planning, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of district operational policies, administrative procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, School Committee policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Leads organizational change initiatives that improve efficiency, service delivery, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Oversees preparation and administration of operational budgets and ensures responsible stewardship of district resources.
• Uses data and performance metrics to evaluate operational effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend strategic solutions.
• Supervises, mentors, supports, and evaluates department directors and administrative leaders responsible for assigned operational functions.
• Promotes collaboration among district departments to ensure responsive, equitable, and customer-focused support services for schools.
• Represents the Superintendent before municipal officials, governmental agencies, community groups, and the School Committee as assigned.
• Serves as the district’s lead for emergency preparedness, crisis response planning, and continuity of operations.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent's Leadership Team and participates in district-wide planning, policy development, and decision-making.
• Maintains confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and discretion in personnel, legal, and organizational matters.
• Fosters an organizational culture grounded in professionalism, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Complies with applicable federal, state, local, and district laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible executive or senior leadership experience in public education, municipal government, or a similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple operational departments and managing large-scale organizational initiatives.
• Experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and operational management.
• Experience developing and administering operational budgets and overseeing fiscal accountability.
• Demonstrated success implementing organizational improvements and managing change.
• Knowledge of school finance and budgeting, facilities management, school safety and emergency management, transportation operations, information technology systems, public procurement, Massachusetts General Laws, DESE regulations, and School Committee policy development.
• Demonstrated ability to