Position Summary
The Chief Strategy and Operations Officer manages the translation of the District’s educational philosophy, goals, and objectives into actions that directly benefit SPS students. The Chief of Strategy and Operations assists the Superintendent of Schools substantially and effectively by providing leadership in developing, supporting, communicating, aligning, and maintaining the highest quality educational programs and services. The Chief Strategy and Operations Officer reports to the Superintendent of Schools and develops a culture of collaboration between School Committee, municipal officials, District leadership, and community members in a manner that results in a shared vision and contributes to District success.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.
- Serves as a key member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet and acts as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent on District priorities, organizational effectiveness, emerging issues, and executive decision-making;
- Leads implementation and progress monitoring of the District’s strategic plan and District goals;
- Develops and facilitates management structures, cross-departmental working groups, and accountability systems to support effective execution of strategic priorities;
- Advises and supports the Superintendent in addressing emerging issues and critical matters affecting the District, including student and staff safety, crisis response, emergency preparedness, and geopolitical or societal events impacting schools and the broader community;
- Serves on District critical response teams as needed;
- Leads the design and implementation of systems to gather, analyze, and utilize stakeholder feedback and data, including surveys, focus groups, and other engagement strategies, to inform District decision-making and strategic priorities;
- Directs strategic messaging and communications in coordination with the Director of Communications and other District leaders to ensure alignment with the Superintendent’s priorities, District goals, and organizational values;
- Serves as the Superintendent’s representative and liaison with the School Committee, City Council, Mayor’s Office, community organizations, and other governmental and external stakeholders;
- Represents the Superintendent on committees, at meetings, conferences, and other District-related functions as assigned;
- Coordinates School Committee operations, including agenda development, communications, dissemination of materials, meeting and retreat planning, responses to member requests, annual scheduling, support for subcommittees, action-item tracking, and follow-through on School Committee motions;
- Manages and coordinates the Superintendent’s annual evaluation process in partnership with the School Committee Chair and School Committee members;
- Leads cross-sector initiatives and partnerships with community organizations and local, state, and federal officials;
- Assists with legislative matters and intergovernmental relations in support of District priorities;
- Works collaboratively with District departments, municipal partners, contractors, and school staff to plan, coordinate, and implement major capital improvement and facilities projects, including the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process for new school construction, while monitoring project timelines, communications, and operational needs;
- Supervises assigned operational functions and personnel, including Food Services, Facilities, Safety and Transportation, and designated administrative support staff;
- Serves as a resource and point of contact for senior staff inquiries and concerns;
- Leads and coordinates special projects and assignments;
- Facilitates executive meetings and follow-up;
- Assumes interim executive- or cabinet-level responsibilities as necessary to ensure continuity of operations during vacancies, absences, or transitional periods;
- Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills
- Experience with system-wide improvement initiatives and education policy;
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership and problem solving;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Ability to successfully create and manage stakeholder relationships;
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to utilize disaggregated data for monitoring student progress;
- Ability to effectively manage diversity;
- Experience with organizational leadership and direction in the administrative and educational functions of the District;
- Current knowledge of, and adherence to, applicable provisions of federal, state, and district education laws, regulations and policy;
- Ability to contribute to the creation and support of District strategic planning and the development and management of District objectives;
- Knowledge, experience and ability to utilize administrative and instructional technology tools to enhance core functions and communications.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Strength Requirements: May involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs
Posture & Movement Requirements: Frequent walking or standing
Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive written information (near vision); Ability to perceive distant objects or hazards (far vision); Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions; Ability to speak clearly
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master Degree in education leadership or related field required;
- Doctoral degree in education, management, or a related field, preferred;
- Massachusetts DESE supervisor licensure required;
- Experience working directly with elected officials, superintendents, senior cabinet leaders, school board members, municipal management, non-profits and community representatives, strongly preferred;
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role required
Reporting Relationships
Position Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
Position Supervises: Director of Food Services; Facilities, Safety, and Transportation Coordinator; Central Office Administrative Assistant
Position Details
Location: Central Office/District-Wide
Department: Superintendent’s Office
Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Terms of Employment
Work Year: Full-Year (260 Days)
Work Hours: 8 hours/day
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefits Status: Eligible
Salary: Starting at $150,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Pre-Employment Requirements
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
Fingerprints
The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
