Chief of Staff II - Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Fort Worth, TX

2d•$119,000 - $142,800

About The Position

Chief of Staff II - Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Operating Officer Role: The Chief of Staff II serves as a senior executive partner responsible for advancing organizational priorities, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring effective execution across multiple departments. This role increases the effectiveness and productivity of executive leadership by managing complex priorities, orchestrating cross-functional work, and translating strategy into measurable outcomes. Acting as a trusted advisor, proxy, and thought partner, the Chief of Staff II operates at the highest levels of the organization - supporting executive decision-making, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring organizational goals are achieved. This role balances long-term strategic planning with the urgency of day-to-day operations and requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization. The Chief of Staff II thrives in complexity, creates structure from ambiguity, and enables leaders to focus on the highest-impact work while ensuring systems, processes, and teams operate efficiently and effectively in alignment with IDEA’s mission and Core Values. Supervisory Responsibilities: This role typically includes direct management of senior leaders, project managers, and/or functional teams. Scope may include oversight of cross-functional workstreams, leadership development functions, or enterprise initiatives. Location: This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate . Travel Expectations: Travel may be required up to 25%–50%, depending on organizational needs.

Requirements

Deep understanding of organizational strategy, business operations, and planning processes
Knowledge of human capital practices, including workforce planning, talent development, and organizational design
Strong analytical capability, including the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
Advanced project and performance management skills, including managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong understanding of resource allocation, cross-functional coordination, and operational systems design
Exceptional ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and board-level interactions
High level of emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential matters
Serve as an effective advisor by brainstorming solutions and offering strategic recommendations without creating unnecessary disruption
Communicate effectively with executive leadership, board members, and diverse stakeholder groups
Navigate ambiguity, competing priorities, and high-pressure situations with composure and clarity
Influence outcomes and drive alignment across teams without direct authority
Anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions or recommendations
Manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
Leadership — Willingness to lead, take initiative, and provide direction in complex environments
Integrity — Demonstrates honesty, ethics, and professionalism
Initiative — Proactively identifies opportunities and takes ownership of outcomes
Stress Tolerance — Performs effectively in high-stakes, fast-paced environments
Dependability — Consistently delivers high-quality work and follows through on commitments
Achievement/Effort — Sets and pursues ambitious goals
Independence — Operates with minimal supervision and strong self-direction
Self-Control — Maintains composure in challenging or sensitive situations
Attention to Detail — Ensures accuracy, quality, and thoroughness
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience supporting senior executives
Experience in strategic planning and execution
Experience managing complex programs or enterprise initiatives
Experience advising and influencing executive leadership
Cross-functional leadership with competing priorities
Experience developing high-impact written materials
High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Proven ability to manage high-profile workstreams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and leadership capability
Ability to travel frequently, including air travel and overnight stays
Ability to navigate office and school environments
Ability to respond to operational needs across multiple locations

Nice To Haves

10+ years of relevant experience
Master's degree preferred
Experience managing senior leaders or multiple functional teams
Experience working with executive leadership and/or board-level stakeholders
Experience in education systems or similarly complex organizations

Responsibilities

Acts as a strategic thought partner, confidante, and sounding board to executive leadership
Serves as a trusted proxy, representing leadership in high-level meetings, decisions, and communications
Leads and executes complex, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives across departments and functions
Designs and manages systems that align priorities, track progress, and ensure accountability for results
Translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, ensuring measurable outcomes and organizational alignment
Manages and develops direct reports, including senior leaders and project managers, to drive execution of key workstreams
Coordinates and collaborates with senior leaders, external stakeholders, and cross-functional teams on strategic and operational priorities
Facilitates data-driven decision-making by synthesizing complex information into actionable insights, reports, and presentations
Establishes and maintains operational rhythms, including meeting structures, planning cycles, and performance management processes
Leads or supports annual strategic planning and ensures execution fidelity across departments
Anticipates risks, identifies challenges, and proactively develops solutions to complex organizational issues
Provides executive-level support in policy development, implementation planning, and organizational decision-making
Functions as 'eyes and ears' for leadership by identifying risks, surfacing insights, and navigating organizational dynamics
Performs other duties as assigned in support of executive and organizational priorities