Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Chief Operations Officer

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools$125K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in education required
  • Master's degree in School Administration or related area preferred
  • NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) preferred
  • Minimum of five years' experience as building or district administrator preferred
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education

Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day operations of the school system
  • Manage and evaluate departments such as transportation, facilities, and safety
  • Establish budgeting and fiscal management systems
  • Develop and implement short and long-range plans
  • Advise the superintendent on district operations
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders and community members
  • Oversee safety and emergency response initiatives

Benefits

  • Professional development and leadership training opportunities
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment
  • Involvement in high-level decision making as part of the Executive Cabinet
  • Opportunities for community engagement and public service
  • Inclusive workplace culture promoting positive communication
Full Job Description
Licensed District and School Administrators - Central Office - Central Office Administrator



Start Date

Open Date 09/21/2026

Closing Date 12/31/2026

General Definition of Work

The Chief Operations Officer, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school system. This includes providing leadership and oversight to department heads in construction management, facilities, maintenance, transportation, school nutrition, warehouse services, custodial services, logistics, environmental health and risk management, graphic productions, capital projects, safety, CMS Police, and other operational divisions of the school district. The employee is a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to a wide variety of programs and activities under the direction of the Superintendent.
Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary/Status

PG 15/Full-time, 12 months
Reports To

Superintendent
Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
Essential Functions
  • Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
  • Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned departments/staff
  • Establish and implement budgeting and fiscal management systems consistent with local, state, and federal requirements
  • Direct and lead the development of goals, the preparation of short and long-range plans, and the implementation of programs and services
  • Advise the superintendent and board on operations matters of the district
  • Oversee the implementation of the district's policy and procedures related to Minority, Women, and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Owned Business Enterprises within all areas of operations
  • Oversee district Safety/CMS Police/Emergency Response
  • Act as liaison with the superintendent, board, other district departments, and outside agencies/organizations on matters related to facilities, construction management, transportation, and maintenance, etc.
  • Communicate/problem solve with stakeholders and other community members and conduct presentations, information sharing services as needed/required
  • Collaborate, monitor, and provide input on policies impacting assigned area
  • Coordinate the development and/or implementation of site-based safe school programs
  • Maintain visibility in schools, areas of business operations and community
  • Administer cost-effective and timely implementation of all projects and strategic plan initiatives pertaining to and within all areas of operations
  • Serve, upon assignment by the superintendent, as a resource person to various public interest groups
  • Attend meetings in the absence of the superintendent to represent the district, making presentations and respond to public inquiries regarding district operations
  • Attend regular and called meetings of the Board of Education as needed/required
  • Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
  • Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
  • Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
  • Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
  • Perform related work as assigned or required
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies
  • Comprehensive knowledge of in-house and outsourced services, acquisition/strategic planning, design/construction operations; capital/long-range maintenance programs, master planning; logistics, custodial/facility maintenance services, energy programs, real estate, disaster preparedness, school safety, transportation, and school nutrition
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system operations
  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations regarding facilities and construction management
  • Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
  • Considerable knowledge of the formal bidding process and of local, state and federal guidelines as well as knowledge on school construction bonds
  • Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
  • Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
  • Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
  • Ability to develop and monitor a budget
  • Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
  • Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
  • Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
  • Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
  • Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
  • Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in education required
  • Master's degree in School Administration or related area preferred
  • NC Certification (Principal or Superintendent) preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years' experience as building or district administrator preferred
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education
Special Requirements
  • Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License or ability to provide own transportation
  • Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings


# of Jobs 1.00

Minimum Educational Requirements Bachelors

Additional Job Information
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
  • Work requires the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
  • Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
  • Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work
  • Ability to move to other work locations
  • Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities
  • Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
  • Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and the use of advanced technology
  • Worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions and noise
  • Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
  • Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
  • Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
  • Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
  • Must be on-call as a regular part of the job


Job Attachment View Attachment

About Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is a public school system in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the second-largest school district in North Carolina and the 17th largest in the United States. CMS serves over 147,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 and employs over 19,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Charlotte area. The district operates 176 schools, including 89 elementary schools, 34 middle schools, 29 high schools, and 24 alternative and special schools. CMS is committed to providing all students with a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and life.
Learn more about Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Size
19,000 employees
Industry

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