Deputy Chief Operations Officer
Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, GA, United States
Summary
The Deputy Chief Operations Officer serves as the senior operational leader who supports the Chief Operations Officer in carrying out the work of the Operations Division. The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for setting division vision, strategy, priorities, and executive-level decisions; the Deputy Chief Operations Officer is responsible for supporting execution of that direction through coordination, implementation, monitoring, coaching, and follow-through across departments.
This position helps ensure that the priorities established by the Chief Operations Officer are translated into consistent operational practice. The Deputy Chief Operations Officer works closely with operational leaders to align work, resolve issues, monitor performance, strengthen communication, and maintain continuity of leadership and service delivery. The role is designed to extend the effectiveness of the Chief Operations Officer by supporting day-to-day divisional management without duplicating the COO's strategic or final decision-making authority. The Deputy Chief Operations Officer acts on behalf of the Chief Operations Officer as delegated by the Chief Operations Officer and within the scope of assigned authority.
Essential Duties
Supports the Chief Operations Officer in implementing divisional priorities, goals, and performance expectations
Translates strategic direction into operational plans, timelines, and measurable department actions
Monitors progress on divisional initiatives and provides timely updates regarding performance, risks, and emerging challenges
Prepares executive briefings, reports, presentations, board agenda materials, and official correspondence related to operational matters
Represents the Chief Operations Officer in meetings, planning sessions, and stakeholder engagements, as assigned
Coordinates the day-to-day work of operational departments to ensure alignment with divisional objectives
Reinforces established chain of command, communication protocols, and leadership expectations across the division
Facilitates coordination among Operations departments including Facilities & Maintenance, Transportation, Operational Planning, Nutrition, and Capital Programs
Clarifies priorities, deliverables, timelines, and service expectations for department leaders and assigned staff
Promotes efficient, consistent, and customer-focused service delivery across operational functions
Oversees implementation of operational projects, service enhancements, and assigned divisional initiatives
Identifies barriers to execution and coordinates appropriate resources, support, and corrective actions
Develops and refines procedures, systems, workflows, and service standards to improve operational effectiveness
Ensures timely follow-through on decisions, assignments, and action items across the Operations division
Analyzes operational data, performance indicators, and service metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
Supports accountability, service quality, and performance management across assigned operational areas
Provides guidance, coaching, and support to directors, managers, and other assigned personnel
Resolves operational concerns, stakeholder issues, and cross-departmental challenges in a timely and professional manner
Supports emergency preparedness, operational response, continuity planning, and recovery efforts under the direction of the Chief Operations Officer
Exercises delegated authority on behalf of the Chief Operations Officer within and within the scope of assigned authority
Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator
The position requires availability outside the normal workday for meetings and in the event of emergencies or major operational needs
Required Education
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a closely related field
Certification/Licensure
None required
Experience Qualifications
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in K-12 operations, district administration, public sector operations or a related field
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of K-12 school district operational systems and support services
Knowledge of leadership, supervision, planning, budgeting, project management, and process improvement practices
Ability to support and advance the strategic direction established by the Chief Operations Officer
Ability to drive execution and accountability without supplanting the authority of the Chief Operations Officer
Ability to analyze operational challenges, identify root causes, and support practical solutions
Ability to determine when issues should be resolved at the deputy level and when they should be elevated to the Chief Operations Officer
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with leaders, staff, school administrators, vendors, and stakeholders
Ability to use performance data and operational information to guide decisions and improvements
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
Use data effectively to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and guide continuous improvement
Exercise strong decision-making skills and sound judgment in complex operational environments
Apply proven performance management and resource management practices to support divisional efficiency and accountability
Lead, organize, and direct the work of others to ensure effective execution of assigned responsibilities
Build productive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and fosters a positive work environment
Observe, listen, and provide leadership that promotes collaboration, responsiveness, and employee effectiveness
Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve operational challenges and improve service delivery
Maintain professional knowledge of construction, design, project management, and contract compliance in a K-12 environment
Demonstrates working knowledge of construction program management and related operational practices
Manage and develop budgets for multiple construction projects and monitor expenditures for alignment with approved plans
Manage and develop budgets for district funding as well as enterprise funded departments and monitor expenditures for alignment with district strategic goals
Coordinate multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities successfully in a complex and fast-paced environment
Working Conditions
Office and school environment, maintenance sites & facilities, transportation facilities, warehouses, and construction environments
May require attendance at evening meetings, special events, and emergency response activities
Physical Demands
Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, and use standard office technology and equipment
May require occasional lifting or carrying of light materials
Must be able to climb ladders, walk catwalks, and access construction sites
Posting ID: 34112
It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any program, activity, or service, contact Compliance Coordinator Gonzalo LaCava, 6201 Powers Ferry Rd, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, or phone 470-254-4585.TTY 1-800-255-0135.
Deputy Chief Operations Officer
Req ID: Fulton County Schools
The Deputy Chief Operations Officer serves as the senior operational leader who supports the Chief Operations Officer in carrying out the work of the Operations Division. The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for setting division vision, strategy, priorities, and executive-level decisions; the Deputy Chief Operations Officer is responsible for supporting execution of that direction through coordination, implementation, monitoring, coaching, and follow-through across departments.
This position helps ensure that the priorities established by the Chief Operations Officer are translated into consistent operational practice. The Deputy Chief Operations Officer works closely with operational leaders to align work, resolve issues, monitor performance, strengthen communication, and maintain continuity of leadership and service delivery. The role is designed to extend the effectiveness of the Chief Operations Officer by supporting day-to-day divisional management without duplicating the COO's strategic or final decision-making authority. The Deputy Chief Operations Officer acts on behalf of the Chief Operations Officer as delegated by the Chief Operations Officer and within the scope of assigned authority.
Essential Duties
Supports the Chief Operations Officer in implementing divisional priorities, goals, and performance expectations
Translates strategic direction into operational plans, timelines, and measurable department actions
Monitors progress on divisional initiatives and provides timely updates regarding performance, risks, and emerging challenges
Prepares executive briefings, reports, presentations, board agenda materials, and official correspondence related to operational matters
Represents the Chief Operations Officer in meetings, planning sessions, and stakeholder engagements, as assigned
Coordinates the day-to-day work of operational departments to ensure alignment with divisional objectives
Reinforces established chain of command, communication protocols, and leadership expectations across the division
Facilitates coordination among Operations departments including Facilities & Maintenance, Transportation, Operational Planning, Nutrition, and Capital Programs
Clarifies priorities, deliverables, timelines, and service expectations for department leaders and assigned staff
Promotes efficient, consistent, and customer-focused service delivery across operational functions
Oversees implementation of operational projects, service enhancements, and assigned divisional initiatives
Identifies barriers to execution and coordinates appropriate resources, support, and corrective actions
Develops and refines procedures, systems, workflows, and service standards to improve operational effectiveness
Ensures timely follow-through on decisions, assignments, and action items across the Operations division
Analyzes operational data, performance indicators, and service metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
Supports accountability, service quality, and performance management across assigned operational areas
Provides guidance, coaching, and support to directors, managers, and other assigned personnel
Resolves operational concerns, stakeholder issues, and cross-departmental challenges in a timely and professional manner
Supports emergency preparedness, operational response, continuity planning, and recovery efforts under the direction of the Chief Operations Officer
Exercises delegated authority on behalf of the Chief Operations Officer within and within the scope of assigned authority
Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator
The position requires availability outside the normal workday for meetings and in the event of emergencies or major operational needs
Required Education
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a closely related field
Certification/Licensure
None required
Experience Qualifications
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in K-12 operations, district administration, public sector operations or a related field
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of K-12 school district operational systems and support services
Knowledge of leadership, supervision, planning, budgeting, project management, and process improvement practices
Ability to support and advance the strategic direction established by the Chief Operations Officer
Ability to drive execution and accountability without supplanting the authority of the Chief Operations Officer
Ability to analyze operational challenges, identify root causes, and support practical solutions
Ability to determine when issues should be resolved at the deputy level and when they should be elevated to the Chief Operations Officer
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with leaders, staff, school administrators, vendors, and stakeholders
Ability to use performance data and operational information to guide decisions and improvements
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
Use data effectively to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and guide continuous improvement
Exercise strong decision-making skills and sound judgment in complex operational environments
Apply proven performance management and resource management practices to support divisional efficiency and accountability
Lead, organize, and direct the work of others to ensure effective execution of assigned responsibilities
Build productive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and fosters a positive work environment
Observe, listen, and provide leadership that promotes collaboration, responsiveness, and employee effectiveness
Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve operational challenges and improve service delivery
Maintain professional knowledge of construction, design, project management, and contract compliance in a K-12 environment
Demonstrates working knowledge of construction program management and related operational practices
Manage and develop budgets for multiple construction projects and monitor expenditures for alignment with approved plans
Manage and develop budgets for district funding as well as enterprise funded departments and monitor expenditures for alignment with district strategic goals
Coordinate multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities successfully in a complex and fast-paced environment
Working Conditions
Office and school environment, maintenance sites & facilities, transportation facilities, warehouses, and construction environments
May require attendance at evening meetings, special events, and emergency response activities
Physical Demands
Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, and use standard office technology and equipment
May require occasional lifting or carrying of light materials
Must be able to climb ladders, walk catwalks, and access construction sites
Posting ID: 34112
It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service. If you wish to make a complaint or request accommodation or modification due to discrimination in any program, activity, or service, contact Compliance Coordinator Gonzalo LaCava, 6201 Powers Ferry Rd, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, or phone 470-254-4585.TTY 1-800-255-0135.
Deputy Chief Operations Officer
Req ID: Fulton County Schools