Chief Operating Officer

Achievement First is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead operations across its nonprofit network of 41 public charter schools serving approximately 15,000 students across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. The COO reports to the Chief Executive Officer, serves on the Executive Leadership Team, and oversees facilities and real estate, school operations support, student enrollment, operational risk, and Information, Technology, and Data, with an approximately $45 million budget, 4 direct reports and 42 positions.

Responsibilities

Set and implement the vision and standards for school environments across the network; Lead the design and implementation of common operational standards, processes, and accountability mechanisms; Own performance across a portfolio of 29 school facilities and two offices, including maintenance, capital projects, facilities strategy, and long-range real estate planning; Own networkwide student recruitment and enrollment and set service standards for transportation, food, school safety, health and nursing; Lead the Information, Technology, and Data portfolio through functional experts; Build a strong bench of operational leaders and a culture of disciplined execution; Serve as a candid, accountable partner to the CEO, academic leadership, Finance, People, Strategy, and regional executives; Establish service-level agreements and performance reviews for major facilities and school-service partners

Requirements

15+ years of progressively responsible operational leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role; Significant experience leading complex, multi-site operations with accountability for multiple functional areas, organizational performance, and senior leadership teams; Demonstrated success developing and implementing operational strategies, systems, and improvement initiatives; Strong experience managing leaders, building effective teams, and establishing clear expectations and accountability; Ability to lead through complex organizational change while maintaining reliable day-to-day operations; Experience exercising influence across decentralized or matrixed organizational structures; Ability to oversee sophisticated functional areas and external partners, including evaluating performance and ensuring accountability for results; Demonstrated skill in strategic problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, executive communication, and relationship development; Commitment to Achievement First's mission and to advancing educational opportunity and equity; Bachelor's degree required; Candidates must live in Connecticut, New York, or Rhode Island, or relocate before the start date; On-site presence at least three days per week with regular travel across all three states

Nice to have

Executive leadership experience within a charter school network, school district, nonprofit education organization, or similarly complex multi-site institution; Experience overseeing school operations, facilities, real estate, capital projects, technology, or essential service delivery; Familiarity with public education operations, funding structures, and regulatory environments; Experience supporting organizational transformation, operational restructuring, or significant institutional improvement; Advanced degree in a relevant discipline; Spanish language proficiency

Benefits

Paid time off; Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; Paid family leave