Chief Operating Officer

DC Prep•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

DC Prep is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of all six campuses serving over 2,100 students from preschool through 8th grade. This role is crucial for enabling school leaders and teachers to focus on instruction and students to focus on learning. The COO will be instrumental in modernizing operations by creating systems and tools that leverage data, enterprise software, and AI to free up staff time and attention. This position is a key member of the executive team, partnering closely with the CEO and other Chiefs to align operations with academic and cultural priorities. The COO will manage Directors of Operations, Technology, and Facilities & Business Operations, overseeing both Home Office and campus-based employees.

Requirements

Unwavering commitment to DC Prep's Vision, Mission, and Values
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills; willing to stick with challenges and try new approaches to get the right outcome
High level of comfort with ambiguity and a builder's mindset — willing to both set strategy and roll up sleeves operationally; demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence
Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to partner effectively with the CEO and executive team
Proven ability to lead and develop a team of senior directors/managers across diverse functional areas
Experience building or scaling systems and processes across multiple sites or locations and establishing the ongoing systems to progress monitor implementation
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex, concurrent workstreams
Persuasive communicator; demonstrated track record of creating alignment on shared goals
Bachelor's degree required
8+ years of progressively senior operations, finance, or general management experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
Experience in K-12 education, charter schools, or another multi-site non-profit or mission-driven organization strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

MBA, MPA, or related graduate degree strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the executive team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of DC Prep.
Drive key cross-functional strategic decisions, such as re-enrollment, facilities, safety, and technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with DC Prep's long-term priorities.
Model and reinforce DC Prep's culture and Values in all interactions.
Build and maintain an operations culture where DC Prep’s Values shape daily practice and every team member understands how their work advances DC Prep's strategic priorities and outcomes.
Build trust and relationships with campus-based staff directly.
Contribute actively to Board meetings and materials.
Mentor and develop leaders across the network.
Cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders to inform strategy.
Set a forward-looking vision for people-centered, data- and tech-powered operations that reduce manual burden and provide better real-time information.
Lead a substantial upgrade of the Operations team’s systems, introducing modern enterprise tools.
Identify opportunities for AI to responsibly improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
Build and steward shared tools, routines, and practices that enhance organizational learning and collaboration.
Manage and coach the Senior Director of Operations to ensure effective campus operations.
Set clear, consistent operational standards across all campuses for materials management, safety, attendance tracking, arrival/dismissal, food service, transportation, procurement, and front-office systems.
Monitor operational health at each campus and intervene when necessary.
Own the network's re-enrollment strategy as an operational and strategic priority.
Own the network's physical safety strategy, including access control, campus security, visitor management, emergency preparedness, and coordination with law enforcement.
Set the network's vision for the look, feel, and function of its school buildings, integrating priorities from other Chiefs.
Advise the executive team on how facilities decisions should inform and be informed by network strategic priorities.
Manage and coach the Director of Facilities to ensure buildings are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Own DC Prep’s facilities strategy, including maintenance, capital improvements, custodial services, and long-term space planning.
Manage relationships with landlords, contractors, and facilities vendors.
Ensure all campuses meet health, safety, and code compliance standards.
Plan and execute facilities projects.
Manage and coach the Director of Technology to deliver on core work and strategic projects.
Create and refine a multi-year technology roadmap.
Ensure every campus has reliable, well-supported technology and that staff and students are trained to use it effectively.
Own data security and cybersecurity practices network-wide.
Evaluate and manage vendor relationships and contracts for technology tools and services.
Partner with leaders to ensure technology decisions are driven by instructional and operational needs.
Manage and coach the Director of Operations to deliver on core work and strategic projects.
Design and maintain operations for systems used across campuses.
Partner with Home Office teams on cross-functional operational needs.
Lead network-wide operational projects from planning through execution.