Chief Operations Officer

Communities in Schools of Tennessee

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Job Summary

The Chief Operations Officer is an integral part of a statewide leadership team for Communities in Schools of Tennessee. The COO leads an operations team that ensures program managers have the operational capacity to support students to stay in school and achieve in life. The COO serves as the primary human resources professional for the organization while overseeing a small team of staff and consultants with expertise in finance, information technology, general operations, risk management, benefits administration, office management, and more. The COO supports the operations of a growing organization with an almost $12 million budget and 80 staff across the state working in 59 schools and supporting over 15,000 students and families. This role requires human resources experience as well as a strategic thinker who can create, implement, and evaluate efficient and effective organizational processes, policies, and procedures.

Job Responsibilities

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) serves on the senior leadership team, is the organization’s lead on all human resources matters, and manages a small team of staff and consultants for finance, risk management, information technology, human resources, and other general operations. They are adept at building and maintaining efficient and effective policies, processes, procedures, and systems. They lead the following responsibilities for the organization:

• Designing and implementing organization-level policies, systems, processes, and strategies to maintain and expand programs and operations with the support of the CEO and organizational leaders.
• Taking actionable steps to support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization and culture.
• Building, maintaining, and monitoring human resources, finance, information technology, risk management, and other operational systems so that staff members can focus on their respective job duties and goals.
• Serving as the lead human resources staff member responsible for supporting recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and staff, performance management, professional development, succession planning, benefits administration, employee engagement, employee relations, and other functions to support a statewide team of 80+.
• Building relationships and engaging board, peers, and team members in cross-functional activities that will enhance organizational operations, team engagement, and culture.
• Serve on the state support team with organizational leaders, making recommendations and implementing strategies and policies to improve operations and further the strategic direction of the organization.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

Human Resources

• Staffing plans/organizational development – Ensure the organization is fully and appropriately staffed and that administrative needs are met for employees and the organization.
• Culture building and maintenance – Work closely with all staff to maintain a productive and inclusive culture that is centered on our core values and in which staff thrive. Collaborate with consultants and internal employees to further the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
• Policies and procedures – Ensure HR policies and procedures are complete and compliant with applicable legal requirements. Evaluate and revise personnel policies and procedures regularly, with a lens on ensuring equity.
• Benefits Administration – Design and administer comprehensive benefits programs to support staff well-being.
• Talent Management – Oversee a meaningful and effective employee performance management and evaluation process, as well as a robust professional development program.
• Hiring Process – Leads recruiting and hiring diverse staff who reflect the communities we serve. Onboard all new staff. Ensures annual background checks are completed. Maintains salary policy and structure.
• Software – Oversees and maintains HR management platform, expense reimbursement platform, and other software to support various operations tasks.
• Maintain up-to-date personnel information and files.
• Participate in the investigation and resolution of human resources issues.
• Ensures employee disciplinary actions and terminations comply with laws and regulations, organizational policies, and general best practices in human resources.

Finance

• Ensures the organization is accurately projecting expenses and operating within budget, taking a multi-year strategy and approach to finance.
• Supports the Finance Director and Finance Committee in developing and implementing a budget process that produces an accurate budget in a timely manner and incorporates input from staff throughout the organization.
• Supports Finance Director to complete external audit and 990 filing in a timely fashion, as well as other finance duties as needed.
• Reviews and approves expense reports as needed.

IT

• Ensures technology needs – both hardware and software – of staff are met and consistently monitored.
• Maintains software licenses and oversees IT contracts.
• Forecasts investment in new technology in collaboration with the Director of Finance and CEO.

General Operations

• Serves on the executive team and sets strategy for the organization in the areas of overall administration, budget management, and human resources management. Advise leadership staff and make recommendations on strategies to accomplish programmatic goals and objectives by using current resources.
• Leads an operations team comprised of an operations generalist, Finance Director, and a variety of consultants in HR, benefits, insurance, etc.
• Organizational policies and systems are established, clearly defined, and communicated throughout the entire organization.
• Oversee day-to-day operational and administrative functions, ensuring smooth and efficient office management such as maintaining office supplies and equipment, and coordinating with vendors, service providers, and facility managers as needed.
• Support the organization in other strategic planning and organizational development initiatives, as needed.
• Leads CIS National Accreditation preparation and oversees the CIS national standards within the organization, as well as certain components of annual reporting to CIS national.
• Maintains the organization’s insurance policies. 
• Manages contracts, including, but not limited to:
• School Districts
• Lease Agreements
• Technology Maintenance
• Accounting
• Benefits and Payroll
• Currently, the COO is based in Nashville and works a hybrid model of in-office days and work-from-home/remote work.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  Other duties may be assigned by the CEO as required.

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES  

The core competencies of the Chief Operating Officer include, but are not limited to: 

• Organizational Leadership: Provides visionary leadership to guide the organization toward its mission and strategic objectives. Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and accountability in decision-making and fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability within the organization.
• Relationship Building:  Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Utilizes effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders and advance the organization’s mission.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):  Demonstrates a clear understanding of racial inequities and other forms of discrimination. Operates from an anti-oppression model in all aspects of work, including supporting staff in navigating DEI issues within schools and communities.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving:  Analyzes complex problems, identifies underlying causes, and consults appropriate resources to make informed decisions in a timely manner. Takes accountability for decisions and considers diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in proposed solutions.
• Operational Excellence:  Anticipates and manages organizational risk, utilizes best practices, and ensures efficient and competent processes are in place to streamline daily operations.
• Research, Measurement & Analysis:  Utilizes evidence and best practices to measure progress toward strategic priorities. Makes data-driven decisions and continuously improves strategies based on research and analysis findings.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors in business or a related field, with a preference for a relevant master’s.
• Work experience can be substituted for those without formal education, requiring eight to ten years of direct experience.
• 10 years of previous public sector management experience preferred; focused experience on human resources for 3 or more years required.

DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

CISTN actively seeks to diversify its staff and encourages candidates of historically underrepresented populations to apply for this position, including but not limited to, those identifying as Black/African American, Indigenous/Native, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other people of color; LGBTQ+ candidates; and candidates with disabilities. We value your lived experience and those who have lived or lived in the communities that we serve. Should you not meet all of the listed qualifications but feel that this position is the perfect one for you, please apply! You could be what we are looking for and we would not want to miss the chance to meet you! 

CISTN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please apply and submit a cover letter describing your commitment to the CISTN mission and interest in the position and resume here by August 28.

Details

• Date Posted: August 15, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Executive Leadership
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Salary Range: Salary range is $105,000 - $115,000
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F; flexible time but generally 8:30-5